U.S. Senator Chris Coons is recovering after being involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Lewes, Delaware, that authorities say was caused by a driver experiencing a sudden medical emergency behind the wheel.
The Democratic senator was riding as a passenger in one of several vehicles struck during the incident on Sunday.
He was later transported to a local hospital, where he received treatment for minor injuries before being released.
Medical Emergency Sparks Chain-Reaction Crash
According to local authorities, the crash unfolded on Savannah Road as a pickup truck was traveling toward the beach.
Police believe the driver suffered a medical episode, briefly lost consciousness, and lost control of the vehicle.
The truck collided with several vehicles before leaving the roadway and crashing through the front yard of a nearby home at the intersection of Savannah Road and Massachusetts Avenue.
Images from the scene showed multiple damaged vehicles scattered around the property, including the pickup truck resting near the front of the house and another vehicle pushed into the home’s porch.
Senator Says He Expects Full Recovery
Following the accident, Coons shared an update on his condition, reassuring the public that his injuries were minor.
The senator said he had already returned home and expects to recover fully within a short period. He also expressed gratitude that the collision did not result in more serious injuries.
Coons said he felt fortunate that everyone involved appeared to have escaped without life-threatening harm despite the severity of the crash.
Several People Taken to Hospital
Lewes Police Chief Tom Spell said five or six people were transported to Beebe Hospital for medical evaluation after the collision.
The pickup truck driver also sustained injuries, including several broken ribs, after suffering the medical emergency that triggered the crash.
Investigators said there is no indication that alcohol or drugs played any role in the incident, and impairment is not suspected.
Longtime Delaware Senator Continues Recovery
Coons, who has represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate since 2010, is expected to resume normal activities following his recovery.
Police continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash, though early findings point to the driver’s medical condition as the cause of the chain-reaction collision.
