St. Mary’s County, MD — Police say a driver’s failure to yield the right of way is to blame for an accident that trapped him in his vehicle until first responders were able to cut him free.
According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s office, the accident happened Saturday afternoon around 2:30 p.m.
Michael Lynn McDonald, 70, of Mechanicsville, made a left turn from Loveville Road attempting to head southbound on Point Lookout Road. McDonald failed to yield the right of way to a van operated by Thomas Henry Franz III, 84, of Prince Frederick, who was traveling northbound on Point Lookout Road.
After the vehicles collided, McDonald’s vehicle continued off the roadway and struck a street sign. McDonald was trapped in the vehicle after the collision. McDonald was extracted and flown by helicopter to an area trauma center with incapacitating
injuries.
A passenger in McDonald’s vehicle, Louise Therese McDonald, 67, of
Mechanicsville, was transported to an area trauma center for treatment. Franz was
transported to an area hospital where he was treated and released.
Members of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction
Unit responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation.
At this time, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision. Anyone who witnessed the collision or events leading to the collision is asked to contact Corporal Brian Connelly at (301) 475-4200 extension *8031 or by email at
Brian.Connelly@stmarysmd.com.