Interstate 495 Crash Involving Tractor-Trailers And Car Causes Major Delays Monday Evening
Interstate 495, DE – Interstate 495 northbound at Route 133 was the scene of a serious multi-vehicle crash on Monday evening, involving two tractor-trailers and a passenger car. Authorities reported that the collision occurred during the height of the evening rush hour, prompting a swift and large-scale emergency response. The incident caused significant traffic delays, leaving commuters stranded for hours as crews worked to clear the wreckage.
According to Delaware State Police, the crash was reported just before 5:30 p.m. on the northbound lanes. Preliminary reports indicate that one tractor-trailer may have lost control while attempting to maneuver through the congested traffic. The vehicle collided with another tractor-trailer and a passenger car, resulting in extensive damage to all three vehicles. The force of the impact caused debris to scatter across multiple lanes, further complicating the response and cleanup efforts.
Emergency personnel, including multiple fire departments, paramedics, and state police units, were dispatched to the scene immediately. Crews worked quickly to secure the area and provide medical attention to those involved. One driver was reported to have sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that other individuals were evaluated on the scene for minor injuries.
Traffic along Interstate 495 was completely halted northbound while the wreckage was removed. Drivers in the area were advised to seek alternate routes as congestion built rapidly in surrounding areas. Officials noted that the combination of the evening commute and the complete shutdown of lanes contributed to extensive delays, some lasting more than two hours. Delaware Department of Transportation crews were also on site to assist with traffic management and roadway cleanup.
The crash has raised concerns about safety on heavily traveled interstate routes, particularly during peak traffic hours. Delaware State Police stated that the incident remains under investigation to determine the precise cause, including whether speed, weather conditions, or driver error contributed to the collision. Authorities are reviewing video footage, witness statements, and vehicle data to piece together the events leading to the crash.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the sound of screeching tires and the sight of damaged vehicles across multiple lanes. Many motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles temporarily to allow emergency crews to reach the injured and assess the situation. Local residents expressed relief that no fatalities were immediately reported, but the severity of the crash highlighted the dangers posed by large commercial vehicles on congested highways.
Officials are urging drivers to exercise caution and patience in the aftermath of the crash, emphasizing the importance of following detours and obeying traffic control measures. Investigators hope to release additional details regarding the drivers involved and the contributing factors once the investigation concludes.
As cleanup operations continue and traffic slowly resumes, the crash serves as a reminder of the potential hazards on major interstate routes and the critical role of emergency responders in managing complex multi-vehicle incident