Wilmington – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation of a two vehicle crash which claimed the life of a Newark man this morning, according to State Police.
Officials said the investigation thus far has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 5:34 a.m. this morning, Thursday, September 14, 2017, as a 44-year-old Newark man was operating a 2008 Nissan Altima and was traveling in a southbound direction on I-95, approximately .5 miles south of Wilmington. For an unknown reason, the operator of the Altima lost control of his vehicle and veered to the right and then to the left, said police. The front of the Altima then struck a concrete barrier before rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. It then came to rest in the roadway facing a northbound direction. Shortly thereafter, the Nissan was struck by a 2003 Toyota Camry, which was traveling on I-95 southbound in the left hand lane, and which was being operated by a 54-year-old Wilmington man. After the impact the Toyota caught fire, however, the operator was able to exit the vehicle before it became completely engulfed in flames.
The operator of the Nissan, who was not properly restrained at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending the notification of his next of kin. It is unknown at this time if impairment on the part of the victim was a factor in the crash. Excessive speed is not being considered as a factor.
The operator of the Toyota Camry, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for his non-life threatening injuries.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police, however, charges are not expected.
The southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for approximately six hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.
Update
Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash which occurred this morning on I-95, according to State Police.
Officials said the initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred this morning, Thursday, September 14, 2017, on I-95 southbound in the area of Frawley Stadium and involves two vehicles. As a result of the crash, one subject has been declared dead at the scene. A second subject has been removed from the scene and has been transported to the Christiana Hospital. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
The southbound lanes of I-95 have been closed to traffic. Commuters traveling into Delaware from Pennsylvania will be forced to use I-495 southbound as an alternate route. Commuters who access I-95 southbound south of the I-495 split and plan on traveling south through the city of Wilmington, will be diverted off of the highway at 4th Street.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is enroute to the scene and will assume the investigation. More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Original Breaking Report
Wilmington – Firefighters and State Police have responded to I-95 SB in the area of the Christiana River, just south of downtown, for reports of a crash with injuries.
Crews are currently working to clear the accident.
Traffic is completely shutdown and backed up into Wilmington near MLK.
Update: 6:30 am Additional responders headed to scene. Avoid area use I-495 SB
Update: 6:40 am Backup is to the Brandywine River Bridge
Update: 6:50 am It looks like authorities have let some traffic through but it appears to be closed down again.
Image Credits: DelDOT