Third Fatal Accident in Calvert in 2 Weeks Claims One Life

Deceased driver was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed when he hit a turning trash truck; alcohol may also be involved


PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (Aug. 4, 2016)—Police in Calvert report that one person died in a 2 vehicle collision early Thursday morning. This is the third crash-related fatality in less than two weeks in the county.

At approximately 1:29 a.m. on August 4, the Calvert Control Center received a 911 call for a serious crash at the intersection of German Chapel Road and Rt. 4 southbound. The crash involved a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette and a 2001 Mack trash truck, operated by Waste Management.

Police determined that the trash truck was in the process of making a left turn onto German Chapel Road from northbound Maryland Route 4 when it was struck on the right rear tandem axle by the Corvette traveling southbound on Maryland Route 4. The investigators were able to determine that the Corvette was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed at the time of the collision. The collision was so violent that the Mack truck overturned onto its left side as a result.

The driver of the Mack truck was identified as Dennis Sierra, 57, of Naples, Maryland. Sierra was transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital where he was treated for injuries sustained in the collision.

The driver of the Corvette was identified as Justin Allen Ruth, 27, of Lusby. Ruth sustained major trauma during the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Due to the involvement of a commercial motor vehicle, heavy recovery efforts were underway most of the night in order to remove the Mack truck from the roadway. Waste Management officials responded to the scene and cooperated with the Crash Reconstruction Team investigators.

Police say that based on the information available at this time, the speed at which Ruth was driving, and possible alcohol impairment, are contributing factors to this collision; however, the final cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Crash Reconstruction Team (CRT) members worked through the night investigating the events that led up to the crash. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is encouraged to contact Sgt. Bortchevsky of CRT. Sgt. Bortchevsky can be reached at 410-535-2800 ext.2540 or by email bortchvi@co.cal.md.us.

Updated at 12:58 p.m., Aug. 4, 2016 to include names and additional details.

RELATED INFORMATION:

Eratic Driver Hits Similar Truck Head-on; One Dead on Scene, July 23, 2016
http://somd.com/news/headlines/2016/21023.php

Deceased in July 28 Fatal Crash Identified, Aug. 2, 2016
http://somd.com/news/headlines/2016/21095.php

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