Maryland State Police in La Plata are investigating their second fatal accident in two days.

This morning authorities responded to southbound Route 5 near Ell Lane in Waldorf around 9:50 a.m. on Sept. 9 for report of a motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, rescue crews discovered an 88-year-old female, Helen Buchanan Owens of Temple Hills, in a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis that had been struck by a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van driven by Wayne Howard Taylor Smith, 41 of Huntingtown.

Investigation revealed Owens vehicle was exiting a parking lot and attempted to cross southbound Rt. 5 north of Ell Lane as Smith's vehicle was traveling southbound on Rt. 5 north and struck Owens vehicle after she failed to yield the right of way.

Owens was transported to Civista Medical Center where she later died from her injuries. Smith was also transported to Civista with minor injuries.

Speed or alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash. The accident remains under investigation.