Four others sent to area hospitals
LA PLATA, Md. (April 30, 2009)—A three car accident in La Plata Wednesday evening around 6:22 p.m. resulted in the death of a White Plains woman. Michelle Lee Ballengee, age 23, ultimately succumbed to her injuries at Civista Medical Center in La Plata. Two other adults and two teens were transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team investigated the accident and determined that a 2007 Red Dodge Charger, operated by Thomas Lee Adams, was traveling eastbound on Route 225 west of Marshall Corner Rd. and struck the rear of a 2007 Hyundai Sonata, operated by Ms. Ballengee, also traveling eastbound on Route 225. The Sonata subsequently struck a 1998 Chevrolet Tracker, operated by Shelia Victoria Johnson, which was traveling in the same direction.
Mr. Adams was transported to Medstar Washington Hospital Center by Medevac Trooper 2 with non-life threatening injuries.
Ms. Johnson was transported to Medstar Washington Hospital Center by Medevac Trooper 6 with non-life threatening injuries.
Two teenagers riding in Ms. Johnson's vehicle were sent to hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. A 17-year-old boy was transported by ambulance to Civista Medical Center. A 15-year-old girl was transported to Childrens Hospital by Medevac Trooper 2.
Police say speed is considered to be a factor in the collision.