I-95 reopened after tractor-trailer crash; driver injured; fuel spills

Jackknifed tractor-trailer blocked southbound lanes of Interstate 95. (Photo: Delaware Free News)

CLAYMONT, DELAWARE (4/16/2018) Southbound Interstate 95 has been reopened following a crash that blocked the southbound lanes and forced traffic to be diverted onto Interstate 495 for about seven hours today.

The crash happened about 11:15 a.m. south of Naamans Road and the Delaware Department of Transportation reported the road reopened at 6:27 p.m.

Delaware State Police said the driver, Francis Carter, 49, of Elkton, Maryland, was changing from the left lane to the right lane, which was covered in standing water, when he lost control and went off the right side of the highway, striking a guard rail. The truck jackknifed and came to rest across both southbound lanes.

Carter was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the truck. He was flown by state police helicopter to Christiana Hospital in Stanton.

Police said his injuries were not life-threatening.

State environmental crews responded to clean fuel that leaked from the truck. Police said the spill and cleanup caused the lengthy closure of the highway.

Carter was cited for failure to maintain lane of travel and failure to wear a seat belt, police said.