WILMINGTON, DE — A fatal collision on I-495 in Wilmington, Delaware, has left one man dead and the Delaware State Police searching for answers. The crash, which took place early Saturday morning, involved two vehicles and a Bobtail tractor.
According to police reports, at around 2:34 a.m. on March 16, 2024, a 1998 green Honda Accord was driving behind the tractor on the downward slope of the Christina River Bridge. For reasons still under inquiry, the Honda rear-ended the tractor and came to a halt partially on the shoulder and partially in the right lane.
Shortly after, a black 2018 Honda Accord approached the stationary green Honda. Unable to avoid the disabled vehicle, the black Honda collided with it. The impact ejected the driver of the black Honda from his car, which continued traveling until it rested on the right shoulder and was consumed by fire. The collision pushed the green Honda into the middle lane.
The driver of the black Honda, a 26-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name, pending notification of his family.
The driver of the green Honda, a 25-year-old from Wilmington, was not in his vehicle during the second collision. He had exited his car to speak with the tractor driver after the first crash.
The highway was closed for about four hours as investigators examined the scene and cleared the debris.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the incident. They are urging anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Master Corporal J. Forester at (302) 365-8485, or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
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