LINCOLN, Del. — Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal multi-vehicle crash that occurred Friday afternoon in Lincoln, claiming the life of a Virginia man. The collision happened around 2 p.m. on October 17, 2025, at the intersection of U.S. Route 113 and Johnson Road, and involved a Hyundai Sonata, a Honda Accord, and a Freightliner tanker truck.
According to preliminary reports, the Hyundai Sonata was traveling north on U.S. 113 and slowing down for a traffic light when it was struck from behind by a Honda Accord that failed to reduce speed. The impact forced the Hyundai into the intersection, where it collided with the side of a westbound Freightliner tanker truck. The chain-reaction crash left the Hyundai heavily damaged and temporarily blocked the roadway in both directions.
The driver of the Hyundai, identified as 68-year-old Michael Smith of Portsmouth, Virginia, was critically injured. Emergency responders quickly transported him to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, he was later pronounced deceased. Authorities confirmed that his family has been notified, and condolences have been extended to his loved ones. The drivers of the Honda and the Freightliner were uninjured in the crash.
Investigators remain on the scene for several hours following the incident, documenting evidence and examining factors that may have contributed to the collision. Police said no citations or charges have been filed at this time, as the case remains under investigation. Delaware State Police are reviewing vehicle positions, impact marks, and any nearby surveillance or dashcam footage to help determine what caused the Honda to fail to slow down in time.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-703-3264. Investigators emphasized that even small details from bystanders or motorists can play a vital role in understanding how the crash unfolded. Traffic experts note that rear-end collisions remain one of the most common types of roadway incidents, especially at intersections where sudden stops occur.
Police officials used the tragic event to remind motorists about the importance of maintaining safe following distances and staying alert to changing traffic patterns. They also highlighted the need for extra caution around commercial vehicles, such as tanker trucks, which require longer distances to stop. As the Lincoln community mourns the loss of Michael Smith, investigators continue their efforts to complete a full report and identify any safety improvements that could prevent future tragedies