Three-vehicle crash on I-495 ends in tragedy after driver struck while outside vehicle.
Wilmington, DE – A late-night crash on Interstate 495 turned fatal Saturday when a driver who exited his vehicle after a collision was struck and killed on the highway. The incident shut down the roadway for hours as investigators worked to reconstruct the sequence of events.
The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. on northbound I-495 near 12th Street, according to Delaware State Police. Investigators said a Ford Windstar traveling in the right lane was rear-ended by a Kia Optima, causing the Ford to be pushed into a guardrail.
Driver নিহত after exiting vehicle on highway
After the initial impact, the driver of the Ford exited the vehicle and was walking on the roadway when he was struck by a Ram 1500 pickup truck. Authorities identified the victim as 45-year-old Mark Barnett of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
“The preliminary investigation revealed the front of the Kia struck the rear of the Ford, pushing it into a guardrail,” Delaware State Police said. “The Ford’s operator exited the vehicle and was walking on I-495 when he was struck by a Ram 1500 pickup truck.”
Barnett was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Kia driver fled scene as investigation continues
Police said the driver of the Ram, a 65-year-old man from Gillett, Pennsylvania, was not injured in the crash. However, the driver of the Kia Optima fled the scene as troopers arrived and has not yet been identified.
“The Kia’s operator drove away from the scene as troopers arrived,” police stated.
The highway remained closed for approximately five hours while crews investigated and cleared the scene. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate.
Anyone with information or video footage is asked to contact Cpl. D. McKenna at (302) 365-8486, send a private message to Delaware State Police on Facebook, or contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Key Points
- 45-year-old man killed after being struck on I-495 in Wilmington
- Crash involved Ford Windstar, Kia Optima, and Ram 1500 pickup
- Kia driver fled scene; investigation remains ongoing