Wilmington hit-and-run crash injures 1, damages homes, causes gas leak

The driver of the SUV fled the scene after the incident that brought down power lines and struck three row houses.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car headlight lens reflecting the harsh glare of a camera flash, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash.The aftermath of a hit-and-run crash in Wilmington exposes the harsh realities of such incidents, where damaged property and public safety risks linger long after the driver has fled.Wilmington Today

A hit-and-run crash in Wilmington, Delaware on April 16 left one person injured, damaged three homes, brought down power lines, and caused a gas leak. The driver of the SUV involved fled the scene after the incident at the intersection of East 23rd and North Market streets.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are a persistent problem in Wilmington, with the city seeing a rise in such incidents in recent years. This latest crash highlights the potential for serious property damage and public safety risks when drivers flee the scene of an accident.

The details

According to officials, the SUV hit an occupied car, causing it to flip multiple times. The SUV then sheared off two utility poles, bringing down power lines, and struck three row houses, damaging two of them. The crash also broke off the gas meters of the affected homes, leading to a gas leak.

  • The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on April 16, 2026.

The players

Wilmington Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the scene and provided details about the incident.

Wilmington Police Department

The local police department investigating the hit-and-run crash and providing updates on the situation.

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What they’re saying

“As first responders learned more, they discovered that an SUV hit an occupied car before flipping multiple times. The SUV 'sheared off two utility poles, bringing down multiple power lines and then struck three row houses in the block, causing structural damage to two of them.'”

— Wilmington Fire Department

What’s next

Police are still searching for the driver of the SUV who fled the scene. The investigation into the cause of the crash and the extent of the injuries is ongoing.

The takeaway

This hit-and-run incident highlights the need for improved driver accountability and public safety measures in Wilmington to prevent such dangerous crashes that put residents and property at risk.