Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Smyrna area early this morning.
Police said on January 23, 2023, at approximately 12:17 a.m., a 2010 Toyota Prius was traveling northbound on South Dupont Boulevard (Route 13) approaching Smyrna Leipsic Road at a high rate of speed.
For unknown reasons, the Toyota exited off the right shoulder of the roadway and struck a mailbox. The Toyota continued traveling north across the northbound lanes where it exited the roadway a second time off the left shoulder at the intersection of Smyrna Leipsic Road. The Toyota struck a sign on the concrete median separating the north and southbound lanes. The Toyota still traveling north crosses the northbound lanes again before exiting the roadway off the right shoulder a second time where the front of the vehicle simultaneously struck a brick pillar and a concrete post. After this collision, the Toyota continued in a northeasterly direction while rotating counterclockwise through the grass until its right rear impacted a large tree.
Post impact the vehicle caught fire in the engine area, and it quickly spread to the interior. The operator of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending results from the Medical Examiner’s investigation.
Northbound Route 13 was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway was cleared.