NEW CASTLE: Shortly after 2:30 this morning, a 2007 Volvo tractor trailer hauling brass coins crashed on I-95 in the Northbound lanes, just prior to the Rte 141 Southbound ramp. The operator was en route to the Philadelphia Mint so that the coins could be minted as pennies.
According to CPL Jeffery R. Hale, a Delaware State Police spokesman, Stefan Marinkovic, 25, of Chicago, IL, was operating a 2007 Volvo tractor and trailer, which was loaded with approximately 45,000 pounds of blank pennies, and was traveling in the right hand lane of northbound I-95 in the area of the I-295 eastbound split in New Castle.
For an unknown reason, Marinkovic veered his tractor to the right striking an attenuator. It then rode a concrete barrier before partially overturning, spilling its load of blank pennies into the roadway and catching fire.
Marinkovic, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was able to free himself from the tractor. He was then treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics before being transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for his non-life threatening injuries. Marinkovic was cited by troopers with Inattentive Driving.
Delaware State police closed down I-95 North completely as crews worked to clear the wreckage, and remove the coins from the roadway.
At 5:00 A.M. Rte 141 North from New Castle was practically unaffected. Of course, this was the point that the accident occurred prior to Rte 141 ramp. As the hours went on, Rte 141 North became congested as early morning commuters attempted to get onto the interstate and was detoured.
UPDT: STA: NCCO – I-95 NB AT 141 THE RIGHT 2 LANES ARE CLOSED DUE TO AN ACC… https://t.co/YoSNqdqT1F
— DelDOT (@DelawareDOT) September 8, 2016
As backup’s occurred near I-95 from adjoining roads, drivers began taking alternate routes to only learn that those routes were also jammed up.
By 9:00 A.M. there seemed to be a gridlock everywhere you turned, so if you were one of the drivers trying to navigate through this never before seen mess in Delaware, then we know your frustration. No matter where you were, it seemed like every turn you take ended you up in another backup.
From Rte 13 South to Rte 1 North, From Rte 13 North towards Wilmington, From Rte 40 East towards New Castle, and on and on, it just seemed to never end, and at every exit going North, it seemed like DelDot had a truck with led lighted arrows blocking the ramps.
Commuters, frustrated with the never ending backup’s began taking refuge at rest stops, gas stations, or restaurants in an attempt to take a break from the mess.
In addition to being bumped in the rear, were also being told that motorists were cutting people off, blowing horns, and even forming a travel lane in the shoulders to only learn that wasn’t working either.
Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale New Castle- The left hand lane of… https://t.co/feMzKZtfWe
— DE State Police PIO (@DEStatePolice) September 8, 2016
I-95 South was pretty clear and moving however, at 10:00 A.M., another tractor trailer traveling in the southbound lanes of I-95 by the Welcome Center, overturned, causing lane closures and back up’s on the southbound side However, it got cleared up and was reopened within an hour.
By 5:00 P.M. Lanes on I-95 began slowly re-opening, and ramps started to become unblocked. Even though motorists had to live the nightmare all over again during the commute home, the rush hour commute wasn’t as bad as the morning commute.
Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale New Castle, DE – Delaware State Police… https://t.co/grHDKfzzVr
— DE State Police PIO (@DEStatePolice) September 8, 2016
Once you got home or wherever you was headed Thursday night you probably thought the interstate would return to normal by Friday morning. Think again! because at 4:30 A.M. Friday, a box truck collided with two other vehicles, and rolled over at the I-95 North & I-495 North split.
For a week of travel nightmares including the horror of Labor Day travel, all I can say is Thank God It’s Friday.
