OLDTOWN, Md. — A three-vehicle crash on Oldtown Road SE (Rt. 51) near Helena Drive SE claimed the life of 74-year-old William Ray Ritchie, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office reported. The accident occurred on Monday, October 21, at approximately 5:39 p.m., and involved one vehicle with an entrapped and unconscious driver.
According to authorities, Ritchie was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders worked to extricate him from the vehicle, but his injuries proved fatal. The crash led to the closure of Oldtown Road for several hours as investigators from the Cumberland Police Department and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office Crash Team examined the scene.
Officials confirmed that speed was a factor in the crash. The investigation is being led by Sgt. Hill, S/Dep. Plummer, and S/Dep. Martel.
Multiple emergency response units assisted at the scene, including the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Company, Oldtown Volunteer Fire Department, District 16 Volunteer Fire Department, Maryland State Police Aviation, and the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services.
Authorities are urging any witnesses to the crash to contact the Crash Investigators at 301-777-1585. The investigation remains ongoing.