On Monday, May 5, 2025, a tragic motor vehicle collision occurred in Columbia, Maryland, resulting in the death of a 49-year-old local resident. The incident took place around 12:30 a.m. near the intersection of westbound Interstate 70 and southbound U.S. 29 in Ellicott City. According to the Maryland State Police, a 2013 Ford Explorer, driven by a 17-year-old male from Baltimore, was traveling the wrong direction on the I-70 ramp when it struck a Toyota Camry head-on. The driver of the Camry, identified as Fred Eromosele Ehimen of Columbia, was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel .

The collision caused significant damage to the involved vehicles and led to a partial structural collapse of a nearby commercial building at approximately 9375 Gerwig Lane. Emergency crews responded promptly to the scene to manage the aftermath and secure the area.

Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the factors that led to the wrong-way driving incident. Authorities have not yet released information regarding potential charges or contributing factors such as impairment or excessive speed.

This incident underscores the dangers of wrong-way driving and its potentially fatal consequences. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), about 20% of motor vehicle crash deaths result from a vehicle leaving the roadway and hitting a fixed object, with trees, utility poles, and traffic barriers being the most common objects struck (IIHS).

As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Maryland State Police. Further updates will be provided as more details become available.