WORCESTER Co., Md. - The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police responded to multiple serious crashes across Worcester County on Friday afternoon, all within the span of just over an hour.
One man was killed in one of the crashes, while at least two people were seriously injured in the others.
Just before 2 p.m. on Sept. 5, Maryland State Police say a tractor-trailer was driving south on Southbound Route 113 when it ran a red light at the intersection of Route 610. The tractor-trailer then struck a BMW, according to MSP. The driver of the BMW, a 70-year-old man, was flown to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Police did not provide information on his current status.
Southbound 113 was closed for an extended period between Whaleyville Road and Bishopville Road, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office said. Northbound 113 was reduced to one lane in the area.
The second crash occurred just after 2:15 p.m. on Westbound Route 50 at Route 610 and involved a pedestrian, according to investigators. Police say a 39-year-old man was involved in a crash and was struck as he was walking back to his car in the road. The man was taken to TidalHeath by ambulance. His current condition was not specified.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office said Route 50 was shut down in the area following the crash involving multiple patients. Chopper 16 was above the scene to see Delaware State Police aviation had landed.
MSP says the third crash came just before 3:30 p.m. on Westbound Route 50 at Hall Road in Whaleyville, Md. Police said the crash involved three vehicles and was fatal.
The victim's vehicle was reportedly stopped due to a traffic backup caused by the previous crash on Route 50 when a second car struck the back of the victim's car at high speed, according to police. The victim's vehicle was then pushed into a third car in front of him. The man died at the scene.
On Monday, Sept. 8, police confirmed the man's identity as David Stegenga, of Salisbury. He was 56.
Maryland State Police say all three crashes are still under investigation and charges may be pending.