UPDATE: Woman dead after car and tractor trailer crash in Smyrna

A woman died after police say her vehicle hit steel light poles during a Smyrna crash involving a tractor trailer. 

Delaware State Police say on Monday, around 6:00 AM, an International tractor trailer pulling a loaded trailer was attempting to make a right turn from South Dupont Boulevard (US 13) onto westbound Brenford Road. Troopers say due to the length of the trailer, the driver, a 73-year-old Maryland man, had to complete the right turn from the right lane of US 13, outside of the right turn lane.

According to the report, a 2011 Nissan Versa was approaching the tractor trailer from the rear and began to pass the tractor trailer by entering into the dedicated right turn lane. Police say the car then hit the the tractor trailer on its left side with its right front bumper. Authorities report that the impact caused the Versa to be redirected into a steel light pole, and then into another larger steel light pole. After hitting the larger light pole, DSP says the car overturned onto its right side.

Investigators say the driver of the Nissan Versa was identified as 24-year-old Rahvey Vails, of Clayton, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. She was reportedly wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. Impairment on her behalf is unknown at this time.

Troopers say the 73-year-old driver of the tractor trailer was wearing his seatbelt and he was not injured in the crash. Impairment does not appear to be a factor on his behalf, police say.

DSP Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash.

US 13 at the intersection with Brenford Road was closed for approximately 5 hours while the investigation was completed and the roadway was cleared.

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According to Delaware State Police, a serious two vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer,  has caused a road closure.

Troopers responded to the scene around 6:02 a.m.

Motorists should expect delays in the area of on South DuPont Boulevard at Brenford Road. Police are also asking drivers to seek alternate routes of travel.

For updated information regarding traffic click here.

An investigation is ongoing at this time.