Head-on Collision Closes Johnson Bridge; Speed, Impairment Suspected Factors


PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (April 29, 2016)—A two vehicle, head-on collision shut down the Thomas Johnson bridge this afternoon for approximately 2.5 hours. One driver, a New Jersey man, was flown to Baltimore with critical injuries. The second driver, a Solomons man, was taken to Medstar St. Mary's Hospital.

The accident occurred around 12:38 p.m. The bridge was re-opened around 3:00 p.m.

Police investigators determined that a 2009 Dodge Ram truck was traveling north on the bridge when a 2010 Mercury Mariner traveling south crossed the double yellow center line striking the Dodge truck in a head-on collision. Both vehicles came to final rest in the northbound lane.

The operator of the Mercury Mariner was identified as Robert E. Bolan, 47, from Summit, New Jersey. Bolan sustained critical injuries as a result of the crash and was flown to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore where he is listed in critical condition.

The operator of the Dodge Truck was identified as Steven Smethurst, 41, of Solomons. Smethurst was transported via ambulance to Medstar St. Mary's Hospital.

Due to the severity of the injuries, the Calvert County Sheriff's Office Collision Reconstruction Team responded to the Bridge and conducted their investigation.

At this time, driver error, speed and impairment are being investigated as contributing circumstances which led to the cause of the crash.

Anyone with information may contact Sgt. Selkirk at 410-535-2800 or selkirrc@co.cal.md.us.

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