Seaford, Del. – The Delaware State Police have identified 58-year-old Purnell Collins of Seaford as the man who lost his life in a devastating crash on Saturday night near Blades. The fatal collision, which involved multiple vehicles, has left a community mourning while investigators continue to piece together the events that unfolded.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on September 6 along Seaford Road, just outside the town limits of Blades. Troopers attempted to stop a Chevrolet Silverado being operated by Collins after noticing it had an expired temporary registration tag. Instead of pulling over, police say the driver accelerated northbound, setting into motion a tragic chain of events.
Moments later, the Silverado veered into the southbound lanes, crossing into oncoming traffic. Investigators report that the truck collided head-on with a Ford F-150 that had been stopped in the left turn lane for southbound traffic as Seaford Road transitions into Market Street. The sheer force of the impact pushed the F-150 into the rear of a Chevrolet Camaro that was traveling behind it.
Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, but Collins, who authorities confirmed was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Ford F-150, a 34-year-old Laurel man, was wearing a seatbelt and was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. He has since been released. The driver of the Camaro, a 20-year-old Delmar, Maryland, man, also properly restrained, declined medical treatment at the scene.
In the aftermath of the crash, police closed sections of Market Street for approximately five hours while members of the DSP Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit conducted their investigation and cleared the roadway. Investigators are continuing to examine all circumstances surrounding the incident, including why Collins chose not to stop when initially signaled by troopers.
Collins, a longtime Seaford resident, is being remembered by family and friends as a man with a strong presence in his community. His sudden death has brought shock and sorrow to those who knew him best. “It’s heartbreaking,” one local neighbor said. “Purnell had his struggles, but he was part of this community, and it’s hard to believe he’s gone just like that.”
The Delaware State Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at (302) 703-3264. Tips may also be shared anonymously with Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or submitted online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
As his family grieves, Collins’ passing serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change in the span of a few moments. Authorities continue to urge drivers to prioritize seatbelt use and exercise caution whenever behind the wheel, stressing that safety decisions can often mean the difference between life and death.
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