TOWNSEND — A 40-year-old Townsend man died after being struck by a vehicle while walking in the area of U.S. 13 Wednesday, Delaware State Police said.

Police said Danny Rankin was pronounced dead at the scene. It was unclear whether he was in the right lane or shoulder of the highway when hit by a Kia Soul at approximately 5:19 p.m., police said.

Mr. Rankin was wearing bright reflective-colored clothing for the dark and unlit roadway conditions, police said.

The incident occurred in the area of Blackbird Landing Road, police said.

The driver of the Kia, a 36-year-old Dover man, was charged with driving under the influence of a drug, possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance, driving while suspended, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was uninjured.

The passengers of the Kia, a 23-year-old woman and a 4-year-old child, both from Dover, were taken to an area hospital by ambulance for non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.