NTSB INVESTIGATES MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN MARYLAND

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending an investigator to the scene of a multi-vehicle accident on interstate 68 in Garrett County, MD.

At approximately 4:00 pm today, there was multi-vehicle accident in dense fog involving over 100 vehicles. Preliminary reports say there are 2 fatalities and over 50 injuries.

"The Safety Board continues to aggressively pursue efforts to increase highway safety especially during this Holiday weekend," said NTSB Chairman Ellen Engleman.  "Safety comes first and no cargo is more precious then our family."

Pete Kotowski has been assigned as the Investigator-in-Charge of the accident.  Mr. Kotowski will investigate
various issues surrounding this accident including the use of collision warning systems.

It is the Board's mission to increase the public's awareness of, and support for, action to adopt safety steps that can prevent accidents and save lives.  The Safety Board urges everyone to put safety first when traveling these busy highways.  Over 40 thousand people lose their lives on our nation's highways.  The Board strongly reminds travelers that the most effective way to protect themselves is to buckle up, use booster seats, and do not drink and drive.

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Media Contact:  Keith Holloway, (202) 314-6100