UNIONVILLE, Md. — Maryland State Troopers are investigating a fatal crash that took place in Frederick County Tuesday afternoon that left one driver and a firefighter dead.
The crash on Route 26, west of Unionville Road resulted in the death of one driver, injuries to another driver and passenger, as well as the death of a firefighter who was assisting at the scene.
RELATED: One killed, two hurt in crash between tanker truck and passenger vehicle
The deceased driver involved in the crash was identified as Kevin N. Tevelow, 22. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured driver is identified as Ricky H. Hyde, 60. His injured passenger is identified as George N. Riggle III, 58. Both were transported by ambulance to the Carroll Hospital Center for treatment.
Troopers arrived to the scene just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday and found that a car and a tractor trailer had been involved in a head-on collision. Upon preliminary investigation, troopers found that the 2016 Volkswagen, driven by Tevelow, was westbound on Route 26 when it attempted to pass a westbound vehicle in an authorized passing zone.
The investigation indicates that while passing, the driver failed to yield the right of way to the eastbound tractor trailer hauling water, driven by Hyde. The tractor trailer driver apparently swerved to the eastbound shoulder in attempt to avoid a collision, but both vehicles crashed head-on.
Rt. 26 was closed for more than five hours due to the extensive scene and investigation. Lanes were reopened just before 6:30 p.m.
The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services and the Libertytown Volunteer Fire Company announced late Tuesday the line of duty death of Volunteer Firefighter Michael Powers, 70.
According to their statement, upon arriving on the scene and assisting in clearing debris from the roadway Firefighter Powers suffered a medical emergency and was transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital. After every effort was made by Frederick County Fire and Rescue Personnel, Powers was pronounced deceased at 2:21pm.
Powers was an active volunteer at Libertytown Volunteer Fire Company for almost 40 years and a volunteer in Frederick County for over 50 years.
