The Delaware State Police are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred early this morning on I-495 in Wilmington that left one man dead.
Officials said on June 10, 2024, at approximately 2:12 a.m., a white 2020 International HV613 truck tractor was traveling in the right lane on I-495 northbound, north of Edgemoor Road. The truck, which was a United States Postal Service (USPS) truck, did not have a trailer attached. At the same time, a silver 2009 Nissan Altima was traveling on I-495 northbound approaching the rear of the USPS truck.
For reasons under investigation, the right-side front of the Nissan struck the left-side rear tires of the USPS truck according to police. As a result of the impact, the USPS truck spun toward the eastern edge of the roadway, where it struck a raised metal guardrail and overturned down an embankment. The USPS truck ultimately came to a stop in the grassy area between I-495 and the railroad tracks. After the initial impact, the Nissan struck the guardrail along the right shoulder before it came to a stop in the northbound lanes of I-495.
The driver of the USPS truck, a 59-year-old man from Yeadon, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.
The driver of the Nissan, a 31-year-old man from Middletown, was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The roadway was closed for approximately 7 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
Breaking Report
Monday morning emergency response crews were dispatched to a significant traffic collision on I-495 Northbound, just north of Cauffiel Parkway in Wilmington. The incident involved a tractor-trailer and a vehicle, leading to multiple patients being trapped.
Upon arrival, crews from the Claymont and Brandywine Hundred Fire Companies, along with New Castle County Paramedics, reported that individuals in both vehicles were entrapped. Due to the severity of the situation, an additional crew of paramedics was requested to assist.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) also responded to the scene to manage the hazardous material cleanup, as the tractor-trailer was carrying a large amount fuel.
One patient from the vehicle was transported to a trauma center for treatment of his injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer, which had rolled over in the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene.
I-495 Northbound remains closed as the investigation continues and HAZMAT crews work to clean up the site. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.