Fatal Crash Closes Route 97: Police

Authorities said MD Route 97 was closed in both directions Tuesday for investigation of a fatal crash near the Howard-Montgomery county line that reportedly happened after a car slid on wintry accumulation.

Two vehicles were involved in the deadly crash, which was reported at 10:04 a.m., according to state transportation officials.

A man was driving south on Route 97 and was traveling around a curve too fast when he hit ice or snow on the southbound shoulder and his car slid into northbound traffic, the Howard County Police Department reported.

The vehicle was hit by a pickup truck on Route 97 near Jennings Chapel Road, according to the report.

Police said the driver of the car was pronounced deceased and will be identified once next of kin have been notified.

Four individuals inside the pickup truck were not injured, police said.

The road had been plowed, and speed was likely a factor, according to Howard County police. The driver was wearing his seatbelt, police said.

As of noon Tuesday, Route 97 was completely shut down at Triadelphia Lake Road, state transportation officials reported.