Charlene Broccolo, Albert Broccolo Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities have released the names of two Maryland residents who lost their lives in a multi-vehicle crash that occurred on Coastal Highway Friday afternoon, prompting a major road closure and an extensive investigation. According to Delaware State Police, the crash happened shortly before 2:30 p.m. on the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway, just south of Hudson Road. The preliminary investigation indicates that a Peterbilt dump truck failed to slow down as traffic ahead came to a stop. As a result, it struck the back of a Ford Edge, triggering a chain reaction that involved several other vehicles — including a Nissan Altima, a BMW X2, and a BMW 135.
The impact of the collision caused severe damage to multiple vehicles and led to a temporary shutdown of the busy highway as first responders worked to assist those involved and secure the area. Troopers later identified the occupants of the Ford Edge as 62-year-old Charlene Broccolo and 64-year-old Albert Broccolo, both residents of Bel Air, Maryland. Authorities confirmed that the couple did not survive the crash.
Emergency medical personnel at the scene provided aid to the other drivers involved. Police said that motorists from Millsboro, Milton, and Wilmington were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening. Fortunately, the driver of the BMW 135 — identified as a 74-year-old man from Lewes — did not require medical attention.
Investigators spent several hours at the crash site gathering evidence, documenting the scene, and clearing the wreckage. Coastal Highway, a major route for local and through traffic, remained closed for approximately five hours as police reconstruction teams worked to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the pileup. Traffic was eventually rerouted to nearby roads while crews removed the damaged vehicles and debris from the roadway.
Witnesses told officers that traffic had been slowing down in the area prior to the collision, and authorities believe the dump truck’s failure to stop in time was the initial cause. While the full investigation remains ongoing, Delaware State Police said that contributing factors such as speed and driver inattention are being examined. The driver of the dump truck remained at the scene and is cooperating with law enforcement as investigators continue to review evidence and witness statements.
Residents and travelers familiar with the area said that the stretch of Coastal Highway where the accident occurred is often busy, particularly in the afternoon hours, as it connects several small towns and popular destinations along the Delaware coast. The crash, which involved six vehicles in total, serves as a somber reminder of the importance of maintaining safe distances and attentiveness while driving.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation and will determine whether any charges will be filed once their findings are complete. Authorities also noted that the Broccolos’ family has been notified, and arrangements are being made with the assistance of local officials.
Community members from both Delaware and Maryland have expressed condolences to the Broccolo family, describing them as longtime residents of Bel Air who were known for their kindness and involvement in their neighborhood.
As of Sunday, the investigation continues, and no further details regarding potential citations or contributing circumstances have been released. Coastal Highway has since reopened, but police urge drivers to remain cautious in the area as traffic flow returns to normal.
This tragic incident marks another serious crash on Delaware’s major coastal roadway this year, prompting renewed calls from local authorities for motorists to exercise patience and reduce speed, particularly in high-traffic zones.
