[soliloquy id="3951"]
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE (2/6/2015) A dump truck crash early today seriously injured the driver and closed I-495 in both directions at 12th street for more than three hours, authorities said.
The crash happened about 2:40 a.m. as the truck was southbound and the dump portion of the truck became elevated for unknown reasons and struck the 12th Street overpass, separating the container from the frame and cab of the truck, state police said.
The tractor and frame portion struck a guardrail as it crossed into the northbound lanes and overturned onto its side, and the container remained in the southbound lanes, Master Cpl. Jeffrey Hale said.
The driver was treated at the scene for a possible head injury and taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital, said Cpl. Abigail Haas of New Castle County paramedics.
Hale identified the driver as David H. Strutton, 50, of Claymont, and said his injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Strutton was driving a 2000 International dump truck owned by James English Trucking of New Castle.
Strutton, who was wearing a seat belt, was cited by troopers for careless driving.
The state Department of Transportation responded to inspect the 12th Street bridge overpass for damage, Hale said.