Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer that occurred at approximately 9:55 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2021, on the exit ramp to Lorewood Grove Road from southbound Route 1, according to Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the initial investigation has determined a 2012 Freightliner Cascadia, operated by a 63-year-old male from Coral Springs, Florida, was traveling southbound Route 1 utilized the exit for Lorewood Grove Road. For reasons unknown, the Freightliner failed to negotiate the curve on the exit ramp. The Freightliner rolled over onto its driver side and subsequently struck a guardrail on the south side of the ramp. The impact with the guardrail caused the Freightliner to then rollover onto its roof.
The operator of the Freightliner was property restrained but was pronounced deceased at the scene. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.
The Freightliner was pulling a trailer loaded with cargo at the time of the collision. The exit for Lorewood Grove Road from southbound Route 1 is closed while this collision is investigated and cleared. The exit for Lorewood Grove Road remains closed.
Breaking Report
Just before 10:00, Monday evening rescue crews from the Delaware City and Odessa Fire Companies, along with New Castle County Paramedics were dispatched to Route 1 SB at the Lorewood Grove Road offramp for a motor vehicle accident.
While en route crews learned that a tractor-trailer had overturned trapping the driver.
As crews arrived on scene, they confirmed that the tractor-trailer was on its side and the that driver was trapped.
Shortly after evaluating the scene, Command ordered the exit closed and reported that the driver had succumbed to their injuries.
Additional details will be provided as they become available.
