Three people are dead and the southbound lanes of I-95 in Delaware were shut down Saturday afternoon following a multi-car accident.
Three people died at the scene and another is in extremely critical condition, said Delaware State Police.
The accident happened in the southbound lanes near Marsh Road in Claymont, Del. around 1:30 p.m.
It appears that the accident happened when a green 1995 Ford Explorer traveling northbound lost control and crossed into southbound lanes. The SUV hit a blue 1993 Mercury sedan, said Cpl. Bruce Harris.
The 50-year-old driver of the Explorer died at Christiana Hospital and his 47-year-old female passenger died at the scene.
The 72-year-old driver of the sedan died at the scene -- he was from Philadelphia, Pa. His 78-year-old female passenger was taken to Christiana Hospital in critical condition.
Witnesses said the crash was "horrific" and that the cars began to smoke after colliding.
The names of the accident victims are being withheld pending family notification.
Police had to divert southbound traffic onto I-495. Traffic was backed up for several miles.
As of 6 p.m. all lanes were reopened.
The accident is under investigation by Delaware State Police. Initial reports have speed as a possible cause for the crash, said Police.
