Delaware State Police are working to piece together details of a deadly multi-vehicle collision that claimed one life on Interstate 495 in Wilmington late Saturday evening.
According to authorities, the fatal sequence of events began around 11:30 p.m. on April 4, 2026, when a Kia Optima collided with the back of a Ford Windstar in the right lane of northbound I-495 near 12th Street. The impact sent the Ford into a guardrail.
After the initial collision, the Ford’s driver got out of his vehicle and began walking on the interstate when he was hit by an oncoming Ram 1500 pickup truck.
The pedestrian, identified as 45-year-old Mark Barnett of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The 65-year-old driver of the Ram pickup from Gillett, Pennsylvania, escaped injury in the incident.
Police report that the Kia driver left the crash site before troopers could arrive on scene.
The interstate remained shut down for about five hours as investigators worked to document the scene and clear the roadway.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is handling the ongoing investigation. Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance, asking anyone who captured video footage or has information about the crash to reach out to Cpl. D. McKenna at (302) 365-8486. Tips can also be submitted through private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Those affected by crime or sudden loss can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, which provides 24-hour assistance via their hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (800-842-8461) or email at [email protected].
