Once the vehicle came to rest, the sole occupant of the vehicle, a female operator, became trapped within the burning vehicle. She was not able to be rescued by first responders and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
WILMINGTON (DE) BY DIGITAL STAFF: Delaware State Police say they have arrested a man they say rear ended another vehicle on I-495 back in May that sent the vehicle into flames, trapping and killing it’s driver as the vehicle rolled down an embankment.
Police say 47-year-old George Smith 3rd of Wilmington is facing several charges including murder in the May 10, 2021 fatal crash.
According to police, It was around 11:51 p.m. on May 10, 2021, when Smith was operating a 2016 Dodge Challenger in the center lane on I-495 north, rapidly approaching a blue Toyota passenger vehicle which was also traveling in the center lane on I-495 North.
Police said as both vehicles were approaching Edgemoor Road, Smith failed to go around the Toyota, and his front bumper struck the rear bumper of the Toyota about one mile south of Edgemoor Road.
Police say after the impact, the gas tank of the Toyota ruptured and burst into flames. The vehicle which was on fire then continued out of control, eventually exited the northbound lanes and down an embankment.
Once the vehicle came to rest, the sole occupant of the vehicle, a female operator, became trapped within the burning vehicle. She was not able to be rescued by first responders and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
On June 9, 2021, after a thorough investigation, George Smith 3rd was taken into custody at his residence in Wilmington without incident. He was transported to Troop 1 where he was charged with Murder Second Degree (Felony), Reckless Endanger First Degree (Felony), Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), and Speeding in Excess of the Posted Limits.
Smith was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $1,066,001 cash bond.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.
