Claymont- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal crash involving an overturned tractor trailer that occurred at approximately 3:02 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018 on I-495 northbound just south of the Philadelphia Pike in Claymont.

The initial investigation has determined that a 2014 Toyota Avalon had become disabled and was partially blocking the right lane of I-495 northbound, approximately .25 miles south of the Philadelphia Pike off-ramp. A 1998 Buick Le Sabre, operated by a 27 year old Philadelphia, PA woman, was traveling northbound I-495 in the right lane when she observed the disabled vehicle and swerved left to avoid a collision, but could not do so, and in turn the right side of her vehicle struck the left side of the Toyota.

After the initial collision between the Buick and the Toyota, the Toyota remained disabled in the right lane. At this time, a 2018 Volvo tanker truck, operated by a 53 year old, Newark man, traveling I-495 northbound in the right lane, was also unable to see the disabled vehicle, and in turn the front end of his vehicle struck the rear end of the Toyota. As a result of the collision the Volvo overturned on to it’s left side and began sliding in a northeasterly direction, with the cab portion of the Volvo striking a guard rail before coming to rest.

The second collision forced the Toyota off the right side of the roadway where it struck a guardrail, before rolling down an embankment where it came to rest.

After the initial collision with the Toyota, the Buick was brought to controlled stop and remained at the scene.

The original operator of the Toyota, a 46 year old Philadelphia PA man, had exited his vehicle when it became disabled and was not injured.

The operator of the Buick, who was properly restrained, also was not injured as a result of the crash.

The operator of the Volvo tanker truck, who was properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending next of kin notification.

There was no leakage of the molten sulfur, which was contained in the tanker, however the roadway was closed for approximately 11 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Forester of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8485.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

Click on the following links to view related releases:

*Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

*UPDATE-Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

*UPDATE #2 – Traffic Advisory* I-495 Open in Both Directions – Investigation Into Fatal Crash Involving Tractor Trailer Continues

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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081218 1155

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