Townsend – State Route 1 remains closed in both directions between Exit 119 (North Smyrna) and DE 299 (Middletown/Odessa) as the Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC), Emergency Prevention and Response Team continues it’s containment and clean-up operation, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident began at approximately 8:20 a.m., on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 as a 2000 Chevrolet Express van, which was towing a loaded car dolly was travelling State Route 1 northbound in the area of New Discovery Rd., Townsend. The Chevrolet’s right rear tire sustained a blow-out which caused the operator, Musikami F. Bishogo, 55 of Dover, DE to lose control, according to Austin. The Chevrolet then crossed the grassy center median and entered into the State Route 1 southbound lanes and into the path of a 2013 Volvo tractor trailer tanker, which contained approximately 8500 gallons of unleaded gasoline. As the operator of the tractor trailer attempted to avoid the Chevrolet, the vehicle jack-knifed and overturned, eventually coming to rest off the right (west) side of the roadway, with the tanker partially down a grass embankment.
As a result of the crash the tanker sustained damage which caused the release of an unknown quantity of its contents. Also as a result of the crash the tractor trailer operator, a 56 year old Vineland, New Jersey man, sustained serious injuries for which he was airlifted to Christiana Hospital by Delaware State Police helicopter Trooper 4.
Bishogo was cited for Operating an Unsafe Motor Vehicle, Operation of an Unregistered Motor Vehicle and Failure to Have Insurance Identification In Possession.
Route 1 between Smyrna and Townsend has been closed in both direction as crews work to clean up the fuel.
Image Credits: Delaware State Police
