Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Investigating Single-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Smyrna

Date Posted: Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Route 1

The Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred yesterday morning in Smyrna that left one man dead.

On February 26, 2025, at approximately 9:38 a.m., a 1995 Freightliner dump truck was traveling in the right southbound lane of Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway (State Route 1), approaching the East Commerce Street overpass in Smyrna. A blown tire caused the Freightliner to exit the right side of the roadway. As it continued traveling in a southwesterly direction off the roadway, the Freightliner struck a steep berm, and ultimately overturned.

The driver of the Freightliner, a 63-year-old man from Magnolia, Delaware, was transported to an area hospital, where he died. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal W. Booth by calling 302-698-8451. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.