6 construction workers killed in Maryland highway crash identified

WOODLAWN, Md. (WBFF) — Maryland State Police on Thursdayidentified six construction workers killed in a fatal crash along the west side of the Baltimore Beltway the previous day.

Two of the victims, investigators said, were a father and son.

• Rolando Ruiz, 46, of Laurel
• Carlos Orlando Villatoro Escobar, 43, of Frederick
• Jose Armando Escobar, 52, of Frederick
• Mahlon Simmons III, 31, of Union Bridge
• Mahlon Simmons II, 52, of Union Bridge
• Sybil Lee Dimaggio, 46, of Glen Burnie

Authorities also identified the drivers of two cars involved in the crash.

State police said 54-year-old Lisa Adrienne Lea, of Randallstown, was driving the Acura that ran into the construction zone. She remains at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, receiving treatment.

State police said the second car was a Volkswagen.

The driver, 20-year-old Melachi Brown, had the Volkswagen stopped north of the scene on Interstate 695, police said, where it became disabled.

Authorities said Brown was not hurt.

The crash happened Wednesday in a construction zone, according to state police.

The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the Acura, later identified as Lea, was traveling in lane 2 at about 12:40 p.m. this afternoon when she attempted to change lanes," state police noted in a news release. "As Lea attempted to move into lane 1, police believe her vehicle struck the front corner panel on the passenger side of the Volkswagen. Crash Team investigators believe this caused the Acura to lose control and subsequently travel into the work zone.

State Highway officials said they are changing the timing on the traffic lights surrounding the crash to help relieve traffic.

On behalf of all the residents of Baltimore County, we offer our sincere condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in today's tragic crash and my prayers remain with those injured in this horrific incident," Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski noted in a statement on Twitter.

The crash remains an active investigation, state police said.

"Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation and consultation with the Baltimore County State’s Attorney," according to the release.