Smyrna – The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer that occurred at approximately 3:48 p.m., Wednesday, January 1, 2020 on southbound U.S. Rt. 13 (DuPont Pkwy.) at the intersection for the ramp to and from State Route 1 northbound, just north of Duck Creek Rd.

The investigation has determined that a 2018 Freightliner tractor trailer, operated by a 44 year old Smyrna woman, was traveling northbound on Rt. 13 from the Smyrna area and was approaching the intersection north of Duck Creek Rd., where motorists can access northbound SR 1. A 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, operated by a 79 year old Townsend man, was traveling southbound on Rt. 13 approaching this same intersection. The tractor trailer proceeded, with a green arrow traffic signal, to make a left turn in order to travel northbound SR 1. As the Dodge was southbound on Rt. 13, at a reported high rate of speed, it entered into the grass median where it struck a speed limit sign. It then re-entered the southbound lanes of Rt. 13 and continued through the intersection where it struck the right side of the trailer portion of the tractor trailer. Upon impact, the operator of the Dodge, who was not seat belted, was fully ejected from the vehicle, coming to rest in the roadway.

The driver of the Dodge was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. Impairment on his behalf is undetermined at this time. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the Freightliner, who was properly restrained, was not injured. Impairment is not a contributing factor on her behalf.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8486.

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

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@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:010220 1220

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