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Alcohol a Factor in Interstate Crash

December 4th, 2012 by WCBC Radio

On Tuesday, December 04, 2012 at approximately 11:13 a.m., the Cumberland City Police Department responded to a reported motor vehicle crash on westbound I-68 at the exit ramp to Harrison Street.  A 1995 Ford pickup truck operated by Elmer Donahoe, age 71, was traveling westbound and was trying to exit the interstate by using the Harrison Street exit.  Donahoe stated that as he was beginning to merge onto the exit ramp he was cut off by another vehicle.  Donahoe stated that he then swerved which caused him to loose control and strike the median impact attenuator (crash cushion), then roll onto the passenger side of the truck and finally stopping against the wall of the exit ramp.  Cumberland Fire Department responded to the scene and was able to remove Donahoe from the truck and transport him to the hospital for treatment.

After the initial crash traffic slowed at which time a second crash took place in this same area.  A 2012 Subaru passenger car operated by Winifred Redick, age 71, Frostburg, MD slowed after seeing the crash.  Redick’s vehicle was then struck by a second vehicle from behind.  The vehicle that struck Redick’s vehicle was a 2009 Nissan passenger vehicle which was operated by Teffeny Bridges, age 29, Cumberland, MD.  Bridges stated that she attempted to take the exit but saw the pickup truck was on its side so she swerved back onto the interstate at which time she struck the rear of Redick’s vehicle.

Bridges and her adult passenger were transported to the hospital by the Cumberland Fire Department and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

All three vehicles had to be towed from the scene due to damaged caused by the accidents.  Representatives from the Maryland State Highway Administration responded to the scene to inspect the damage caused by the crash.

Westbound I-68 was shut down at the Maryland Avenue exit and traffic was detoured through the area and assistance was provided by Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police, and the Allegany County Fire Police.

After officers were able to clear the scene Donahoe was contacted at the hospital where he was being treated for non-life threatening injuries.  It was determined that Donahoe was under the influence of alcohol which contributed to the crash.  Donahoe was then issued citations for negligent driving, driving while impaired by alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol.

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