(New Market, MD) The driver involved in the Frederick County fatal crash has been identified and charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
The deceased victim is identified as Matthew Emiliano Lautar, 45, of Baltimore. Lautar was the driver and sole occupant in a Honda Civic involved in a fatal crash yesterday. EMS personnel pronounced Lautar deceased at the scene.
The driver of the tractor trailer involved in the crash is identified as Dalton Ritchey, 24, of Woodbury, Pennsylvania. Ritchey was the driver and sole occupant of a 2013 Heil Dry Bulk Tanker. He was transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital by ambulance. Charges are pending review by the Frederick County State’s Attorney upon the outcome of the crash investigation.
The preliminary investigation indicates the two vehicle crash occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m., Thursday, October 24, 2019 on I-70 eastbound at the 60 mile marker in Fredrick County. Police believe both vehicles were traveling eastbound in lane 3 when the driver of the tractor trailer, later identified as Ritchey, rear ended the Honda Civic for reasons unknown at this time.
Investigators believe the impact may have caused the fuel tank of the Honda Civic to rupture, which could have contributed to the fire. The Honda Civic struck the guardrail and came to rest facing westbound on I-70. The tractor trailer struck the median and traveled across it, crossing all three westbound lanes before it struck the other guardrail.
Maryland State Police from the Frederick Barrack responded to the scene along with troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and the Maryland State Police CRASH Team. State Highway Administration personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation assisted with detours. Sheriff deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist along with Frederick County Fire Department personnel.
The investigation continues..
CONTACT: Office of Media Communications – 410-653-4236
The deceased victim is identified as Matthew Emiliano Lautar, 45, of Baltimore. Lautar was the driver and sole occupant in a Honda Civic involved in a fatal crash yesterday. EMS personnel pronounced Lautar deceased at the scene.
The driver of the tractor trailer involved in the crash is identified as Dalton Ritchey, 24, of Woodbury, Pennsylvania. Ritchey was the driver and sole occupant of a 2013 Heil Dry Bulk Tanker. He was transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital by ambulance. Charges are pending review by the Frederick County State’s Attorney upon the outcome of the crash investigation.
The preliminary investigation indicates the two vehicle crash occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m., Thursday, October 24, 2019 on I-70 eastbound at the 60 mile marker in Fredrick County. Police believe both vehicles were traveling eastbound in lane 3 when the driver of the tractor trailer, later identified as Ritchey, rear ended the Honda Civic for reasons unknown at this time.
Investigators believe the impact may have caused the fuel tank of the Honda Civic to rupture, which could have contributed to the fire. The Honda Civic struck the guardrail and came to rest facing westbound on I-70. The tractor trailer struck the median and traveled across it, crossing all three westbound lanes before it struck the other guardrail.
Maryland State Police from the Frederick Barrack responded to the scene along with troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and the Maryland State Police CRASH Team. State Highway Administration personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation assisted with detours. Sheriff deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist along with Frederick County Fire Department personnel.
The investigation continues..
###
CONTACT: Office of Media Communications – 410-653-4236