Fight stalls fireworks traffic in Lewes

A fight following July 4 fireworks in Lewes stalled traffic along Cedar Street, delaying the trip home for many.

The fight happened about 10:30 when two cars at the intersection of Cedar Street and West Canal Street refused to yield the right of way, according to a bystander.

Lewes Police Chief Tom Spell said two people exchanged words, and the fight was mutual. “There was a little bit of road rage, some alcohol involved,” Spell said.

Two people were charged with disorderly conduct.

At least two police cars and two ambulances responded to the scene, which added to the gridlock. Following the fireworks, Spell said police blocked Savannah Road, preventing traffic from coming into the beach area, so that vehicles there for the fireworks could exit. Spell said he was unsure whether the Delaware River and Bay Authority, which controls Freeman Highway, prevented vehicles from heading toward the beach.

“We had 15,000 people; a lot of people for two points of exit,” Spell said.