State Police Investigating Fatal Crash on I-495

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early this morning on I-495 in Wilmington that left one man dead.

On March 16, 2024, at approximately 2:34 a.m., a 1998 green Honda Accord was traveling behind a Bobtail tractor in the right northbound lane of I-495 on the downward slope of the Christina River Bridge. For reasons under investigation, the green Honda rear-ended the Bobtail tractor and came to rest partially on the shoulder and partially in the right lane. A short time later, a black 2018 Honda Accord was traveling in the right northbound lane of I-495 approaching the unoccupied and disabled green Honda. The front of the black Honda struck the rear of the green Honda. As a result, the driver of the black Honda was ejected from his vehicle and came to rest in the middle lane of I-495. The black Honda continued traveling in a northern direction until it came to rest on the right shoulder, where it became fully engulfed by fire. Due to the collision, the green Honda was pushed forward and came to rest in the middle lane.

The driver of the black Honda, a 26-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the green Honda, a 25-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was walking back to his vehicle after making contact with the driver of the tractor at the time of the second collision.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling (302) 365-8485. 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].

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