Delaware State Police Investigating Single Vehicle Fatal Collision

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Smyrna area early this morning.

On January 23, 2023, at approximately 12:17 a.m., a 2010 Toyota Prius was traveling northbound on South Dupont Boulevard (Route 13) approaching Smyrna Leipsic Road at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the Toyota exited off the right shoulder of the roadway and struck a mailbox. The Toyota continued traveling north across the northbound lanes where it exited the roadway a second time off the left shoulder at the intersection of Smyrna Leipsic Road. The Toyota struck a sign on the concrete median separating the north and southbound lanes. The Toyota still traveling north crosses the northbound lanes again before exiting the roadway off the right shoulder a second time where the front of the vehicle simultaneously struck a brick pillar and a concrete post. After this collision, the Toyota continued in a northeasterly direction while rotating counterclockwise through the grass until its right rear impacted a large tree.

Post impact the vehicle caught fire in the engine area, and it quickly spread to the interior. The operator of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending results from the Medical Examiner’s investigation.

Northbound Route 13 was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal 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 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 [email protected]

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