WEST FRIENDSHIP, MD – The Howard County Police Department is currently investigating a fatal collision that occurred in West Friendship on Saturday, resulting in the death of one individual.
At approximately 12:44 p.m., a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was in the process of making a left turn from southbound Route 32 onto eastbound Route 144. During this maneuver, the Mercedes was struck by a 2021 Jeep Renegade traveling north on Route 32. The impact of the collision caused significant damage to the vehicles involved.
The rear passenger of the Mercedes, identified as 82-year-old In Ja Yi from West Friendship, sustained critical injuries. She was immediately transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where she was later pronounced deceased.
The driver of the Mercedes and all three occupants of the Jeep, all adults, sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals. Fortunately, their injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine its cause. As part of the investigation, Route 32 North was temporarily closed for approximately three hours.
The Howard County Police Department will continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews to shed light on the factors leading to this tragic incident. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.