Photos courtesy of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department

Updated press release, Feb. 18:

On Feb. 16, at approximately 1805 hours members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau and Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the Thomas Johnson Bridge in Solomons, Maryland for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash involving three vehicles. The Thomas Johnson Bridge was covered in snow.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 1997 Toyota Camry was traveling southbound on the Thomas Johnson Bridge. The Toyota Camry lost control on the snow covered bridge and slid sideways into the northbound travel lane. A 2004 Jeep Wrangler was traveling northbound on the bridge struck the Toyota Camry in the passenger side. After the first collision, a 2004 Toyota Highlander traveling southbound on the bridge struck the front of the Jeep.

The 2004 Jeep Wrangler was operated Kenneth George Steffey, a 47 year old male of Lusby, who sustained minor injuries.  Steffey was transported to MedStar St Mary’s Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released.

The 2004 Toyota Highlander was operated Davar Mitchel Faulk, a 35 year old male of Lexington Park, who sustained no injuries.  Faulk was able to drive away from the scene.

The 1997 Toyota Camry was operated by Racheal Mary Keaton, a 50 year old female of Lexington Park.  Keaton sustained multiple injuries and was transported to MedStar St Mary’s Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.  Keaton was pronounced deceased by the Hospital Emergency Room Staff. 

Driver error on the part of Rachel Keaton and the snow covered bridge are major contributing factors to this collision. 

DFC R. Wilson of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Crash Reconstruction Team is conducting the investigation into the events leading up to the collision.  Anyone with additional information regarding the incident are asked to contact DFC R. Wilson of CRT at 410-535-2800 or via e-mail at wilsonrs@co.cal.md.us 

Update 9:27 p.m. Feb. 16:

Press Release:

On Feb. 16 at approximately 6:33 p.m. the Calvert Control Center received a 911 call reporting a serious crash on the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge.

Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the top of the bridge and observed a Jeep and a Toyota Camry that had been involved in a T-bone type crash. Deputies immediately summoned the assistance of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit.

Preliminary investigation indicates the Toyota Camry had been travelling southbound on the bridge when the driver lost control of the vehicle.  The vehicle went into a sideways slide and crossed the center line into the northbound lane of travel.  The Jeep was travelling north and subsequently struck the Toyota in the passenger’s side causing severe intrusion into the passenger’s compartment of the vehicle. 

There were no passengers in either vehicle.  Both operators were transported to St. Mary’s MedStar. The operator of the Toyota Camry was pronounced deceased and the operator of the Jeep was listed in stable condition.

A third vehicle had minor contact with the rear of the Jeep in a secondary crash after the initial series of events took place.

If you have any information about this crash please contact Cpl. T. Phelps of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit.

The State Highway Administration, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police worked together to clear this incident and to get the bridge reopened. Members of the Solomon’s Volunteer Fire Dept. and Rescue Squad, the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, the Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad as well as Calvert Advanced Life Support also assisted at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office has responded to numerous vehicles off of the roadway and traffic crash calls for service.  Please encourage the public to stay off of the roads if at all possible.

Update 8:41 p.m.:

According to Calvert County Sheriff Captain Todd Ireland, a South Bound Toyota Camry slid into a North Bound jeep putting them in a T-bone position.

Both drivers were taken to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, one was pronounced dead while the other is in stable condition.

The accident is being investigated.

The bridge has been re-opened, proceed with caution. 

Update 7:34 p.m.:

One transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital with CPR in progress

Advisory – Accident on Thomas Johnson Bridge at the base on St. Mary’s side. Expect delays.