“82-Year-Old In Ja Yi Dies in West Friendship Collision”

A fatal collision occurred in West Friendship, Maryland on Saturday, resulting in the death of one individual. The Howard County Police Department is currently investigating the incident.

The collision took place at around 12:44 p.m. when a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was making a left turn from southbound Route 32 onto eastbound Route 144. During the turn, the Mercedes was struck by a 2021 Jeep Renegade traveling north on Route 32. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles involved.

Tragically, the rear passenger of the Mercedes, identified as 82-year-old In Ja Yi from West Friendship, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Unfortunately, she was later pronounced deceased. The driver of the Mercedes and all three occupants of the Jeep, all adults, also sustained injuries but were transported to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

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. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Collisions like this serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to remain vigilant and follow traffic laws. It is crucial for drivers to be aware of their surroundings, obey traffic signals, and drive responsibly to prevent accidents. Authorities will work diligently to determine the cause of this collision and ensure that justice is served..