CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND — On the evening of February 25, 2024, Cumberland City Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 68 West, near the crosstown bridge. The incident involved a Chevrolet Cruze, driven by 30-year-old Hasan Avsar of Cumberland, MD, which collided with a crash barrier before coming to rest and obstructing the roadway.
Investigations revealed that the vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed and failed to properly navigate the turn, resulting in the collision. Debris from the crash led to damage to a second vehicle. Upon interacting with Avsar, officers determined he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident and proceeded to arrest him.
Avsar faces multiple traffic-related charges, including Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, Speeding, and Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision. He has been released pending his trial in District Court.
The westbound lanes of Interstate 68 were closed for approximately one hour to facilitate the crash cleanup, with the Cumberland Fire Department and the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services providing assistance.