Police Investigating Motor Vehicle Accident Involving Horse and Buggy That Injured 4 Children and 2 Adults

May 8, 2019

UPDATE 5/8/2019 @ 1:00 p.m.: On Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at approximately 8:10 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 28100 block of Thompson Corner Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a horse-drawn buggy.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded and continued the investigation.

A preliminary investigation determined a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, operated by David Harrison Morton, age 18 of Mechanicsville, was traveling south on Thompson Corner Road in the area of Millburn Lane. A horse-drawn buggy operated by Fannie Hertzler, age 21 of Mechanicsville, entered the roadway from Millburn Lane and collided with the Hyundai. The passengers in the buggy were Anna Hertzler age 19, Allen Hertzler age 13, Rhoda Hertzler age 10, Lavina Hertzler age 9, and Bena Hertzler age 7, all of Mechanicsville.

All six occupants of the horse-drawn buggy were flown to area trauma centers with incapacitating injuries. Morton was evaluated at the scene for non-incapacitating injuries.

At this time, speed nor alcohol appear to be contributing factors in the collision.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or any events leading up to the collision is asked to contact Corporal Brandon Foor at (301) 475-4200 extension *2265 or by email at [email protected].


UPDATE: Two children were flown to an area trauma center and two other children who were originally going to be flown out were transported by ambulance to an area trauma center.

5/7/2019: On Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at approximately 8:05 p.m., police fire, and rescue personnel responded to the area of Thompson Corner Road and Millwood Lane in Mechanicsville, for the reported motor vehicle accident involving an Amish buggy.

Crews arrived on scene to find a motor vehicle and a horse and buggy involved, with 6 patients in the roadway.

First responders requested three helicopters for 4 pediatric patients and 2 adults.

Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 6, Trooper 7, and U.S. Park Police Eagle 1 responded to the scene to transport all patients to area trauma centers.

Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and are investigating the incident.

Updates will be provided as they become available.