CLAYMONT, DELAWARE (8/13/2018) A 53-year-old Newark man was killed in the crash of a tanker tractor-trailer carrying molten sulfur on Interstate 495 in Claymont, the Delaware State Police said.
The crash happened about 3 a.m. Saturday in the northbound lanes a quarter mile south of Philadelphia Pike and closed the highway until the afternoon.
The driver of the Volvo tractor-trailer who was killed was identified as Michael L. Kent.
Police said a 2014 Toyota Avalon became disabled and was partially blocking the right lane. It was first sideswiped by a 1998 Buick Le Sabre and remained partially in the travel lane.
Kent did not see the Toyota and the tractor-trailer struck the rear of the car, police said. The tractor-trailer overturned on its left side and slid, with the cab striking a guard rail. The Toyota was pushed off the roadway into a guard rail and rolled down an embankment.
The driver of the Toyota, a 46-year-old Philadelphia man, had left the vehicle before the collisions and wasn’t injured.
The driver of the Buick, a 27-year-old Philadelphia woman, also wasn’t injured. Police said she was wearing a seat belt.
Kent was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said there was no leakage of the molten sulfur.
The entrance to southbound I-495 on Interstate 95 at the Pennsylvania line was closed until about 12:40 p.m., and northbound traffic on I-495 was diverted off the highway at the Edgemoor Road exit until after 2 p.m.
Police said they are still investigating and asked anyone with information to call Cpl. J. Forester at 302-365-8485.
Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
