Woman, 2 Children Seriously Hurt In Crash, Slick Roads A Factor

TRACEY'S LANDING, MD — A woman and two children were seriously hurt in a South County crash Thursday morning when their SUV crossed a center line and collided with a car. Anne Arundel County Police say snow and rain could have been a factor in the accident.

Just after 8 a.m. a Chevrolet Equinox driven by Caren Hardesty, 41, of the 4900 block of Elm Street in Shady Side, was southbound on Solomon’s Island Road when it lost control and crossed the double yellow centerline, police say. The Chevrolet was then struck broadside by a northbound Ford Fusion driven by Joseph Ripple, 34 of the 7700 block of Patuxent Drive in St. Leonard.

Hardesty and her two passengers — an 8-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl — all suffered serious injuries, authorities said. They were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

Ripple suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene.

The primary cause of the crash was the Chevrolet failing to remain right of center. Contributing circumstances are believed to be the rain and snow falling at the time. The case will be reviewed by the state's attorney.

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