Authorities in St. Mary’s County are investigating a serious traffic collision that resulted in the decease of two men Sunday afternoon at a busy intersection.
According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 4:35 p.m. on March 15 to the intersection of Three Notch Road and Hollywood Road after receiving reports of a motor vehicle crash.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that a 2016 GMC Sierra pickup truck, driven by Austin Schultz of Leonardtown, was attempting to make a left turn from northbound Three Notch Road onto Hollywood Road while traveling through the intersection at a traffic signal.
At the same time, authorities say a 2013 Toyota Camry traveling southbound on Three Notch Road approached the intersection. Investigators reported that the Camry entered the intersection after failing to stop at a red traffic signal.
According to the sheriff’s office, the Camry was also traveling along the shoulder of the roadway in an apparent attempt to pass vehicles that were stopped at the intersection. During this maneuver, the vehicle collided with the GMC pickup truck as it was completing its turn.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported the occupants of the Camry to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials later confirmed that the driver, 42-year-old Keith Mersing II of Charlotte Hall, and his passenger, 35-year-old Troy Coley of New Carrollton, both died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Authorities said the driver of the GMC Sierra and a juvenile passenger who was also inside the truck were taken to a hospital with injuries described as minor.
Investigators say early evidence suggests that excessive speed and reckless driving may have been contributing factors in the collision. However, officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to fully reconstruct the events that led to the crash.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff Steve Hall addressed the incident, noting that dangerous driving behavior continues to pose significant risks on local roadways. He emphasized that drivers share responsibility for the safety of others whenever they are behind the wheel.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit has taken over the investigation and is reviewing evidence from the scene, vehicle damage, and witness accounts to determine the sequence of events.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about the incident or who witnessed the crash to contact investigators.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy is prompting renewed discussion about roadway safety and responsible driving.
What steps do you think drivers and communities can take to reduce reckless driving and prevent deadly crashes at busy intersections?
