Man dies in two-car collision in Smyrna

SMYRNA — An 82-year-old Smyrna man died in a crash Thursday evening.

Delaware State Police spokeswoman Master Cpl. Heather Pepper said the accident took place at around 5:42 p.m. Thursday when a 2006 Ford Taurus, being driven by an 82-year-old Smyrna woman, was traveling southbound on U.S. 13 in the dedicated left-turn lane at the intersection of Spring Meadow Drive and Hickory Ridge Road in Smyrna. A flashing red arrow was displayed for the left-turn lane as the driver intended to turn left onto Spring Meadow Drive.

Cpl. Pepper said that at the same time, a 70-year-old female was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox northbound on U.S. 13 in the same area.

As the Equinox approached the intersection, the driver of the Ford allegedly began to turn left, crossing directly into her path, which resulted in the front left of her car striking the right side of the Ford.

Both vehicles came to rest near the entrance to Spring Meadow Drive following the crash.

The driver of the Ford Taurus was wearing a seat belt and taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where she was treated and released.

The 82-year-old Smyrna man was wearing his seat belt in the front right seat of the Ford, however, he sustained fatal injuries. Identification was pending notification to next of kin.

The 70-year-old Clayton woman who was driving the Equinox was also properly restrained and taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where she was treated and released.

U.S. 13, in the area of the collision, was shut down for around three and a half hours as the investigation was conducted.

The collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Any individuals who witnessed the crash are asked to contact Cpl/3 Joseph Lane by calling 302-698-8457. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or here.