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Claymont- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal crash involving an overturned tractor-trailer that occurred at approximately 3:02 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018, on I-495 northbound just south of the Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the initial investigation has determined that a 2014 Toyota Avalon had become disabled and was partially blocking the right lane of I-495 northbound, approximately .25 miles south of the Philadelphia Pike off-ramp. A 1998 Buick Le Sabre, operated by a 27-year-old Philadelphia, PA woman, was traveling northbound I-495 in the right lane when she observed the disabled vehicle and swerved left to avoid a collision, but could not do so, and in turn, the right side of her vehicle struck the left side of the Toyota.
After the initial collision between the Buick and the Toyota, the Toyota remained disabled in the right lane. At this time, a 2018 Volvo tanker truck, operated by a 53-year-old Newark man, traveling I-495 northbound in the right lane, was also unable to see the disabled vehicle, and in turn, the front end of his vehicle struck the rear end of the Toyota. As a result of the collision, the Volvo overturned on to it’s left side and began sliding in a northeasterly direction, with the cab portion of the Volvo striking a guardrail before coming to rest.
The second collision forced the Toyota off the right side of the roadway where it struck a guardrail, before rolling down an embankment where it came to rest.
After the initial collision with the Toyota, the Buick was brought to a controlled stop and remained at the scene.
The original operator of the Toyota, a 46-year-old Philadelphia man, had exited his vehicle when it became disabled and was not injured.
The operator of the Buick, who was properly restrained, also was not injured as a result of the crash.
The operator of the Volvo tanker truck, who was properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending next of kin notification.
There was no leakage of the molten sulfur, which was contained in the tanker, however, the roadway was closed for approximately 11 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Forester of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8485.
Update:
Claymont- The southbound lanes of I-495, which had been closed due to a fatal crash involving an overturned tractor trailer have reopened at this time.
I-495 northbound remains closed between Edgemoor Rd. and Philadelphia Pike.
Orginal Report
Claymont- Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a fatal crash involving an overturned tractor-trailer that occurred at approximately 3:02 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018, on I-495 northbound just south of Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Early indications are that the tractor-trailer slammed into a disabled vehicle on the side of the road before overturning and catching fire. It’s believed that the truck is carrying hazardous materials.
Austin said as a result of the crash I-495 northbound is closed between Edgemoor Road and Philadelphia Pike and I-495 southbound is closed between Edgemoor Road and the PA state line.
The roadway is anticipated to be closed for an extended period of time and there is no projected time for the re-opening at this point as the investigation and clean-up operation continues.
The investigation is in the early stages with further details being released as they become available.