Towson rush hour car crash claims the life of 17-year-old Carver Center student
Police are investigating a fatal crash in Towson, Maryland, that occurred yesterday morning and resulted in the tragic death of a local high school student.
Kayla Winter Perry, 17, of Owings Mills, a 12th grade student at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, died yesterday from injuries sustained when she exited her vehicle after a minor collision on Charles Street near the entrance to Loyola Blakefield High School.
The teen was driving northbound on Charles Street at approximately 7:13 a.m. when she lost control of her Honda Accord and struck the curb, causing her vehicle to ride up onto a guardrail and slide into a BGE pole. The BGE pole broke and fell to the ground, pulling wires tight across the north and southbound lanes of Charles Street. Perry exited her vehicle, and while she was standing outside the vehicle, a box truck traveling southbound struck the low-hanging wires, which in turn struck and threw Perry onto the shoulder of the road.
“The Baltimore Gas & Electric pole however, broke at the bottom and the pole began to fall. When the pole fell, it started to drag the wires it was attached to at another pole across Charles Street, and took those wires and dragged them low across the roadway,” Officer Jennifer Peach, of the Baltimore County Police Department, said. ~ WBAL-TV
Baltimore County EMS responded to the scene and initiated life-saving measures, transporting Perry to Greater Baltimore Medical Center where she was later pronounced deceased.
Two additional vehicles were also struck by the stretched wires causing damage to both vehicles. One of those drivers suffered minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. No other drivers involved reported suffering injuries.
The crash caused major delays during the morning rush hour in the Towson area, closing Charles Street from Chestnut Avenue through Kenilworth Drive until approximately 11 a.m.
CBS News in Baltimore shared a statement released by the Carver Center mourning Perry’s death, and offering support to students and staff who knew her.
“This morning, one of our Carver Center students was in a tragic car accident on the way to school. The details of the accident are still under investigation, but it is with great sadness that we share with you that one of our students passed away as a result of this accident. With the family’s permission, we will share additional information as it becomes available. We recognize that this is a very difficult time for everyone in our school community.
The Baltimore County Traumatic Loss Team will be at Carver Center on October 23, 2019. This team of counselors is specially trained in helping individuals cope with loss. They will work along with our school counselors and support staff to help students and staff affected by this sad news. They will continue to provide counseling and support to our students, families, and staff over the next several days.
Please talk with your student tonight about this event that has and will continue to affect many students and teachers in our school. Encourage your student to maintain their routine of attending school and, if needed, seek the counseling that is available.“
“Our school community is deeply saddened by this tragic event. Our thoughts are with this student’s family and friends during this difficult time. If you find that you are in need of the resources above or have questions concerning this tragic incident, please do not hesitate to call us at 443-809-2775. When such a tragedy touches a school, it affects us all.”
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski also shared his condolences on Twitter, saying “My heart is broken for all who loved her.”
The Baltimore County Police Department remains in contact with the Baltimore County Public School System regarding this crash. Counselors will be available to students for the following several days. Anyone suffering an emotional crisis as a result of this loss is encouraged to contact the school for resources at 443-809-2775 or contact the Baltimore County Police Mobile Crisis Hotline at 410-931-2214. For an immediate officer response dial 9-1-1.
(Source: Baltimore County Police Department)
~ Written by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
