HIGHWAY WORKER KILLED ALONG I-95

(Havre de Grace, MD) – Troopers are investigating a crash which took the life of an MDTA employee working along I-95 early this afternoon in Harford County.

The victim is identified as Michael Pearce, 59, of the 600-block of Baker Avenue, Abingdon, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Harford County emergency medical personnel. Mr. Pearce was employed by the Maryland Transportation Authority as a Facilities Maintenance Technician. . His work crew was assigned to mow the grassy area along the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway.

The driver of the 2003 Ford E-150 van has been identified as Corey Ness, 54, of Spring Grove Pa. He was transported to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained during the collision.

A preliminary investigation has been conducted by troopers from the Maryland State Police CRASH Team with the assistance of troopers from the JFK Barrack. The investigation indicates that around 1:00 p.m. today, a Ford van was traveling southbound on I-95 in the area of Maryland Route 155 in Harford County, Md. For reasons unknown at this time, the van left the travel portion of the road and continued into the gore area between the right shoulder and MD 155 overpass. The vehicle struck the right rear of a stopped dump truck then struck the victim.

There were other members of the mowing crew at the scene when the crash occurred. They did not sustain any injuries. There has been no determination of vehicle speed at this time.

Due to the severity of the crash, troopers have closed the right two lanes as well as the exit ramp to Route 155 at this time. The lanes are expected to be closed for several hours. Maryland Transportation Authority personnel are assisting with road closures.

Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, John F. Kennedy Barrack at (410) 537-1150. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. Charges are pending. The investigation is continuing.