The area of I-495 where the fatal crash happened. — Delaware State Police
A chain-reaction crash turned deadly when a driver was struck and killed after getting out of his vehicle on Interstate 495 in Wilmington, Delaware State Police announced on Monday, April 6.
Mark Barnett, 45, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, died after the three-vehicle crash on the northbound side of I-495 near 12th Street around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, according to troopers.
A Ford Windstar was traveling in the right lane when it was rear-ended by a Kia Optima, investigators said. The impact pushed the Ford into a guardrail.
Barnett, who was driving the Ford, exited the vehicle and was walking on the highway when he was struck by a Ram 1500 pickup truck, police said.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries, authorities said.
The Ram’s driver, a 65-year-old man from Pennsylvania, was not injured, according to police.
The Kia driver fled the scene as troopers arrived, authorities said.
The roadway was closed for about five hours while crews investigated and cleared the crash.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation. Anyone with information or video is asked to contact Cpl. D. McKenna at 302-365-8486 or submit tips through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.
Details about Barnett’s life were not immediately available. His loved ones are invited to share information with Daily Voice by emailing jpikora@dailyvoice.com.