Newburg, MD – On July 14 at approximately 11:15 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to a personal injury motor vehicle collision on Rock Point Road west of Kings Farm Place.
The preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers indicates that a 2007 Chrysler 300M was traveling westbound on Rock Point Road when, for an unknown reason, it crossed over the double yellow center line and struck a 2014 Ford F-150 head-on as it was traveling eastbound on Rock Point Road.
As a result of the collision, both drivers were trapped in their vehicles. The operator of the Chrysler 300M, Betty Jo Saunders, 72 of Newburg was pronounced dead on the scene. The operator of the Ford F-150, Joseph Harvey Edelen, 67 of Newburg, was extricated by fire department personnel. He was treated on the scene by paramedics and transported to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:29 p.m. Both Saunders and Edelen will be transported to
the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsy.
La Plata Barrack personnel were assisted on scene by the Maryland State Police CRASH Team,deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the State Highway Administration. Additionally, personnel from the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department, the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department, the Charles County Department of Emergency Services EMS Division and the Maryland State Police Aviation Command provided assistance as well.
This investigation is being continued by Sergeant C.M. Bowling, a Collision Reconstruction Specialist assigned to the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack. Anyone who may have witnessed, or who has information regarding this collision, is asked to contact the La Plata Barrack Duty Officer at 301-392-1200 and reference case number 17-MSP-029550.
At 4:49 p.m. Charles County authorities reported Rock Point Road was reopened in both directions.
UPDATE 3:45 p.m.
Newburg, MD – Charles County authorities reported that Rock Point Road at Kings Farm Place is partially open at this time. Traffic is being directed by police. The Maryland State Police continues to investigate the crash and a report on the incident is pending.
Newburg, MD – At 11:32 a.m., Charles County authorities reported Rock Point Road at Kings Farm Place was shut down in both directions due to a motor vehicle crash. The road is expected to be closed for several hours. Motorists are advised to avoid the area until further notice.
There unofficial and unconfirmed reports that at least one person has died as a result of this crash. Troopers from the Maryland State Police Barrack in La Plata are investigating the crash. A spokesman at the La Plata Barrack told TheBayNet.com that details regarding the incident will be released later this afternoon.