2 Highway Workers Struck, Killed
NORTH EAST, Md. (WJZ) -- A deadly accident in Cecil County has killed two highway construction workers.
Mike Hellgren was there and has the very latest.
This is one of the worst work zone accidents in years in Maryland. Police took the driver into custody, questioned and released him. Charges will be up to the Cecil County State's Attorney.
The windshield of the Ford Focus is smashed, and the hood is crumpled. State police say the driver slammed into two construction workers in a well-marked work zone on Rt. 40, a few miles north of Perryville. It killed both of the workers.
Toni Peters could see the response from her home.
"One of the fire police were up here at the end of the road because the state police were overhead in their helicopter. People just don't pay attention to the signs. They wait til the last minute to get over," Peters said. "I feel for their families."
A witness said the Ford swerved suddenly. State police say they don't know what caused the collision. At this point, they don't know how fast the car was traveling or if speed played a factor.
Police say the driver refused medical attention.
The workers were both contractors for the State Highway Administration. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
"If you see an emergency worker or construction worker, move over, give them some space," said Sgt. Marc Black.
Several WJZ investigations have highlighted the dangers in Maryland work zones. Fifteen people die on average every year.
Investigators are trying to piece together what went so wrong so fast.
Police released the identities of the victims: Victor Jackson and Luis Tadeo, both in their early 40s.
The State Highway Administration says 43,000 people nationwide are severely injured every year in work zone accidents.
