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Midway, DE (July 20, 2026) — Two people were injured in a wreck involving a passenger vehicle and an ambulance on Route 1 near Route 24 in the Midway area of Sussex County on July 18. It happened on Saturday afternoon, shortly before 3 p.m., according to dispatch records.
At least one person was trapped inside a vehicle and had to be extricated. Both patients were taken to a hospital, though the extent of their injuries has not been released.
Multiple emergency units were dispatched to help at the scene. The cause of the collision had not been confirmed as of this report.
We hope both patients make a full recovery.
What Happens During Vehicle Extrication?
When someone cannot get out of a vehicle on their own because doors are jammed or the frame is badly damaged, emergency crews use a process called extrication to free them safely. This involves specialized cutting and spreading tools, sometimes nicknamed the “jaws of life,” that can pry apart metal without causing further harm to the person trapped inside.
Before any cutting begins, crews usually stabilize the vehicle so it cannot shift or roll during the process. Glass may be removed carefully, and padding is placed around sharp edges to protect the person while crews work. Extrication can take anywhere from a few minutes to much longer, depending on how badly the vehicle is damaged.
Because extrication requires extra space and equipment, nearby lanes are sometimes blocked off for safety. Drivers approaching this kind of location should slow down, watch for personnel working near the roadway, and follow any instructions or signals they are given. Giving crews room to work helps keep both the patient and everyone nearby safe.
