Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Collision on I-495

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred last night in Wilmington that left two men dead.

On June 26, 2023, at approximately 4:41 p.m., a 2007 Kenworth Tractor was traveling in the right lane of I-495 southbound, approaching the 12th Street overpass. At the same time, a 2002 Ford Ranger was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed, passing traffic in the center lane of I-495 southbound approaching the 12th Street overpass. The Ford Ranger entered the right lane, where it sideswiped the Kenworth Tractor, causing the Ford Ranger to spin in a clockwise direction towards the right shoulder of I-495 southbound. The Ford Ranger struck the sloped concrete embankment under the 12th Street overpass and overturned onto the grass shoulder. The Ford Ranger rolled for approximately 150 feet before coming to rest. The Kenworth Tractor came to a controlled stop on the shoulder.

The driver of the Ford, a 45-year-old man, and the passenger of the Ford, a 52-year-old man, both from Wilmington, Delaware, were not wearing seatbelts. They were both pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Kenworth, a 35-year-old man from Spring City, Pennsylvania, was not injured. The identification of both victims is pending notification to their families.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 302-365-8484. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].