June 13th, 2014 by WCBC Radio
Just after 1500 hours on 6/12/2014 Troopers from the Hagerstown Barrack
responded to the area of Leitersburg Pike and Orchid Drive in Hagerstown
regarding a reported Personal Injury Collision. Troopers determined that a 2004 Ford
Freestar minivan was traveling West on Leitersburg Pike at that location. The Ford was
being operated by Erica Jean Rodriguez, 26 years old from Noland Drive in Hagerstown,
Maryland. Accompanying Rodriguez were four children, ages 1, 2, 4, and 10.
Rodriguez drove her vehicle into the opposing lane of travel and into the path of a
2005 Hyundai Tucson , which was traveling East on Leitersburg Pike. The Hyundai
was being operated by 55 year old Esther Marie Bitner of the 21000 block of
Smithsburg Leitersburg Pike. As a result, both vehicles collided head on. Bitner and an
adult front seat passenger in the Hyundai were trapped in the vehicle and had to be
extricated by fire department personnel. This passenger was identified as 34 year old
Jessica Wyoming Stanley of Huffer Lane in Boonsboro, Maryland. A rear seat 13 year
old passenger in the vehicle was able to self extricate herself. Rodriguez and the four
children in her minivan were able to exit the van where they received treatment at the scene.
Everyone involved in the collision was transported by ambulance to Meritus
Medical Center for treatment. Bitner was treated at the hospital but died there
as a result of her injuries sustained in the collision.
Maryland State Police are still investigating the cause of the collision and ask
anyone why may have witnessed the collision to contact Senior Trooper Cain at
the Hagerstown Barrack of the Maryland State Police at 301-766-3800.
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