New Castle-The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred early this morning on I-495 southbound in the area of the I-295 northbound on-ramp.
The preliminary investigation has determined that on July 14, 2018 at 4:17 a.m., a 2000 Toyota Avalon was traveling on the ramp from I-495 southbound onto the ramp to I-295. The operator, a 33-year-old man of Pennsylvania failed to remain in the travel lane and the left front corner of the vehicle struck the Jersey barrier for the first point of impact. As a result of this impact the vehicle swerved across the travel lane rotating in a counterclockwise direction and left the roadway onto the grass area. As it traveled through the grass the vehicle flipped and struck a tree for a second point of impact. The vehicle came to a rest facing in a northerly direction on the grass and back on its wheels.
The operator, who was properly seat-belted at the time of the crash, exited the vehicle and walked back onto the travel lane of the I-295 ramp while making a phone call. The operator was struck by an unknown vehicle that failed to stop and remain at the scene. The operator was declared deceased at the collision scene. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Impairment is unknown on the part of the operator at this time.
The suspect vehicle was described as a small, sports car, dark in color possibly a Honda Civic. No further description of this vehicle is known at this time. It was last seen continuing in a southerly direction on the ramp.
The two adult passengers in the Toyota Avalon were transported to the Christiana Hospital and treated for minor injuries from the original collision. Both were properly seat-belted.
I-295 Ramp closed approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to please contact Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit, Master Corporal J. Aube at 302-365-8483.
*Traffic Advisory* Troopers Investigating Serious Crash – New Castle
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.
Presented by Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz
Released: 071418 1011
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