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Interstate 68 Shut Down for Six Hours Due to Friday Accidents

May 24th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

On Friday, at approximately 1130 AM, Stephen Fippen (46 YOA), Indianapolis, IN, lost control of the 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle he was operating on E/B I-68 at the 25 mile marker. Fippen struck the guardrail and was ejected from the motorcycle. The motorcycle  then came to rest in lane 2 where it was struck by a Silver Honda Accord operated by Nicole Pereira (18 YOA), Union, New Jersey. As a result of this collision, Fippen was flown to Ruby Memorial, Morgantown, West Virginia, by Trooper 5 for treatment of his injuries. Pereira was not injured.  
    While traffic was stopped for the crash, another crash occurred west of the 25 mile marker. A Blue Freightliner tractor and trailer being operated by Fernando Moreno (43 YOA), Hoschton, Georgia, experienced mechanical issues and was unable to stop.  The tractor and trailer subsequently side swiped a silver Chrysler 200, and then side swiped a silver Mazda CX-5 There were no injuries as a result of these collisions.  
    The tractor and trailer continued east and struck the rear of a red Ford Explorer occupied by the operator, Willy Leon Hodge (35 YOA),  passenger, Colista Dion Hodge (32 YOA) and 3 children ages 3, 3 and 7, all from West Chester Ohio. Colista Hodge was transported to Ruby Memorial and Willy and the 3 children were transported to WMHS for treatment of injuries. 
    The force of that collision caused the Ford Explorer to collide with a silver Toyota Tundra occupied by Melissa Meyers (41 YOA),  Danielle Santos (24 YOA) and a 7 month old, all of Martinsburg, WV.  The impact caused the Toyota to flip on its side.  All 3 passengers were transported to WMHS for treatment of injuries. 
    As a result of the collision with the Ford Explorer, the Toyota truck struck a gray Honda Accord sitting on the shoulder of the roadway.  The Toyota then overturned and landed on it's side. The Accord was occupied by Regina Harris (70 YOA), Clarksburg, WV. Harris was not injured.  As a result of the accidents, E/B I-68 was closed for approximately 6 hours.
     MSP McHenry investigated and was assisted by the Garrett County Sheriff's Office, Natural Resources Police, MSP Aviation, Northern Garrett Rescue, Grantsville VFD and Eastern Garrett VFD.  
     

One Response to “Interstate 68 Shut Down for Six Hours Due to Friday Accidents”

  1. May 27, 2019 at 10:25 am, Scott said:

    Any update on the condition of Ms. Hodge or Mr. Fippen?

    Reply

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