Ellendale, DE (September 9, 2025) – A serious crash involving five people—including two pediatric patients—was reported Sunday at the intersection of Dupont Blvd (US-113) and Beach Hwy in Sussex County. Emergency officials declared a Level 1 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) to coordinate response efforts for the high volume of patients.
Crews from Ellendale Fire Company (75), Greenwood (78), Milford (42), and Sussex County EMS responded to the crash around midday. According to early updates, two children suffered potentially serious injuries and were transported for advanced medical treatment. Three adult patients were also evaluated, with all reported to have sustained minor injuries at the time of response.
Declaring a Level 1 MCI allows for broader resource coordination, ensuring that EMS units, hospitals, and mutual aid agencies are mobilized quickly—even if not all patients have life-threatening injuries. Officials confirmed that this classification reflected the number of patients, not necessarily the severity of the crash itself.
We send our sincere hopes for healing and recovery to the injured children and adults involved.
Pediatric Trauma and Multi-Patient Crashes in Delaware
Sunday’s crash in Ellendale reflects the serious challenges that come with multi-patient incidents, especially when children are among the injured. Pediatric trauma requires specialized equipment and care protocols that can extend on-scene response times and complicate triage decisions. In this case, early identification of serious injuries in two young patients allowed for timely transport and intervention.
Dupont Blvd (US-113) and Beach Hwy is a high-speed rural intersection that has seen prior traffic incidents due to its mix of local and through traffic. Wide, fast-moving lanes combined with cross-traffic patterns can lead to dangerous situations—particularly when visibility is limited or vehicles fail to yield at intersections.
Mass casualty incident protocols, such as the Level 1 declaration made Sunday, are critical in ensuring that EMS resources are scaled appropriately to match the needs of the scene. Even when injuries range from minor to serious, the coordination between departments like Ellendale, Greenwood, and Milford can mean the difference between chaos and control.
As Delaware continues to grow in both population and roadway usage, traffic safety advocates emphasize the importance of cautious driving in rural corridors. Speed management, seatbelt use, and increased public awareness are essential components in preventing further tragedies—especially those involving vulnerable road users like children.
If you or your family has been affected by a crash involving multiple injuries, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We provide trusted guidance, support resources, and the information you need to navigate recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can assist during this difficult time.
