Newport – Delaware State Police have concluded their investigation into a multi-vehicle traffic crash that closed I-495 southbound in the area of I-95 southbound for approximately 3 hours.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:56 p.m., Monday, October 16th, 2017 in the southbound lanes of I-495 at the merge with I-95 southbound.  The investigation determined that a 2015 Ford truck, which was towing a trailer, and operated by a 57 year old Felton man was traveling southbound I-495 in the center lane. As the Ford slowed due to traffic, it was rear ended by a 2012 Freightliner tractor trailer operated by Irick Laverne, 45, of Charlotte N.C. The impact forced the Ford into the left lane where it struck a Dodge Ram pickup truck, operated by a 48 year old Wilmington man. The Dodge then traveled off the roadway striking a guardrail before coming to rest. The Ford truck then overturned at which time the trailer it was towing struck a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, operated by a 42 year old Newark man.

A 40 year old male, front seat passenger in the Ford truck sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to Christiana Hospital for treatment.

As a result of the Ford truck and trailer overturning approximately 30 gallons of hydraulic fluid and 10 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the roadway. DNREC responded to the scene and conducted a clean-up operation.

The operator of the tractor trailer was issued a traffic citation for Following Too Close.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:101617 2104

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