Delaware crash leaves person hospitalized, utility poles sheared and homes damaged

A driver fled the scene of a crash that left one person hospitalized, several utility poles sheared, and multiple homes damaged along a street in Wilmington, Delaware, officials said.

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, in the afternoon, firefighters responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of East 23rd Street and North Market Street, according to the Wilmington Fire Department.

Upon arrival, officials said Battalion Chief Griff Jordan found that an SUV had struck a vehicle, then overturned multiple times onto East 23rd Street. The SUV had sheared off two utility poles, bringing down multiple power lines, and then struck three rowhomes on the block, causing structural damage to two of them.

Officials reported that the gas meters of the houses were damaged, leading to a natural gas leak.

The driver of the SUV escaped from the vehicle and fled the scene, according to officials. The driver of the other vehicle that was struck was transported to a nearby hospital.

The Wilmington Fire Department shared photos from the scene:

Officials said Delmarva Power responded to the scene to secure the downed wires and the gas service to all three houses.

The Wilmington Police Department is currently looking into the cause of the accident.