Lewes crash claims two Cape Henlopen High students

LEWES — Two Cape Henlopen High School students were killed Monday evening when their BMW 328 left the 16000 block of Gills Neck Road before igniting a fire, which spread to a nearby occupied residence. No one inside the house was injured but it did cause extensive damage to the home.

Delaware State Police said the unidentified driver and passenger were traveling eastbound on Gills Neck Road in Lewes around 11:26 p.m. Monday “at an apparent high rate of speed.”

For reasons under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway near a sharp, L-shaped, turn.

According to police, the car collided with a stone pillar, then a tree, causing it to catch fire. The car continued to strike a metal fence, coming to rest close enough to the residence for the fire to spread to the house.

Police said everyone inside the house at the time of the accident was able to exit safely.

Officials say the driver and passenger were pronounced dead at the scene.

Tuesday afternoon, Cape Henlopen School District began calling and emailing parents and students about the accident, extending sympathies and providing resources.

“School counselors and staff will be available for students needing additional support at Cape Henlopen High School from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday,” said Kristen DeGregory, Cape High principal.

Ms. DeGregory advised students, parents or community members needing immediate support to call the 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-969-HELP or send a text to 988 for support.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash or might have more information to contact Sgt. A. Mitchell by calling 302-703-3269. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.