(The term “High Mechanism” refers to the level of crash forces that are inflicted upon the human body in a severe crash. Anytime there are indications of a high-speed crash, the potential for serious, severe injury is possible. In the nomenclature of EMS & Fire, we call this the “Mechanism of Injury” and provides some indication of the injury severity that might be encountered / inflicted upon victims.)

First arriving were deputies with the Kent County Sheriiffs Office. Their BIR (Brief Initial Report) indicated a single vehicle crash, a severed utility pole with downed wires, a single passenger car overturned, at least four (4) patients, confirming one patient as entrapped, one probably Priority 4 (deceased), another three (3) as out of the car and ambulatory (walking around). Sheriff’s deputies effected the rescue of the entrapped patient, who was hanging upside down in the vehicle, by cutting the seat-belt.

Upon the arrival of EMS & Fire Company resources, it was determined the total number of patents was five… One deceased on the scene, with four others experiencing various degree of injuries. After evaluation, EMS confirmed / declared one patient deceased, one patient to be airlifted by Maryland State Police Aviation to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center / University Hospital in Baltimore City for evaluation and treatment. Three (3) patients were transported by ground EMS to the University of Maryland - Shore Medical Center at Chestertown for evaluation and treatment.

For the severed pole and downed wires, Delmarva Power was notified. A representative responded to the scene to assess the situation. That trouble tech determined the affected utility was actually a part of the Verizon system, and not Delmarva Power. Verizon responded to the scene, and determined there was no direct impacts to their system, and advised they would return at a more reasonable time to repair the situation.

Augustine Herman Highway (Maryland 213) was shut down because of this crash. Because this crash resulted in a fatality, it remained shut down (at the time of this release) for an indeterminate period while the Maryland State Police performed a thorough crash investigation. The road closure and subsequent detour was subsequently managed by the Maryland Department of Transportation – State Highway Administration.

Note: As a measure of consideration and respect, it is the policy of the Chestertown VFC to refrain from posting images of those vehicles involved in crashes, most especially in the case that involve fatalities.

Companies & Agencies that responded:

Chestertown VFC

Kennedyville VFC

Galena VFC

Betterton VFC

Rock Hall VFC

Crumpton VFC

Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad

Kent County EMS

Queen Annes County Department of Emergency Services – EMS 5 (Responding from Church Hill VFC)

Maryland State Police Aviation

Maryland State Police – Centreville

Maryland State Police – Crash Investigation & Reconstruction

Kent County Sheriffs Office (instrumental in the response)

Chestertown Police Department

Delmarva Power

Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner – Forensic Investigation… summoned for the purpose of death investigation.