Wilmington (19809)- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred just after midnight, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred on March 10, 2019, at approximately 12:14 a.m., when a 2004 Lincoln Town Car was parked on the right shoulder of southbound I-495 in the vicinity of Edgemoor Road. The driver of the Lincoln exited the vehicle and began walking southbound on I-495 within the right lane of travel. A 2013 Mazda3 was traveling southbound on I-495 in the right thru lane when the pedestrian appeared in its path and was struck. The pedestrian came to rest in the center lane of I-495 when he was struck by a 2004 Honda Element and a 1997 Chevy Astro.
Jaffe said the pedestrian, identified as 77-year-old Robert E. Slade of Rocky Mount, NC was wearing all dark clothing and not carrying any kind of illuminated device. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Mazda3, a 34-year-old male from Bear, DE was properly restrained and uninjured.
The driver of the Honda, a 17-year-old female from Wilmington, DE was properly restrained and uninjured.
The driver of the Chevy, a 31-year-old male from Bethlehem, PA was properly restrained and uninjured.
All lanes of southbound I-495 in the vicinity of Edgemoor Road were closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The accident continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.
