Joppa Man Killed After Vehicle Leaves I-95 Overpass, Lands on I-195 in Arbutus

From the Maryland State Police:

(ARBUTUS, MD) – A Harford County man was killed today after the car he was operating became airborne and struck another vehicle traveling on eastbound I-195, causing serious injury to that operator.

The deceased is identified as Kenneth L. Kirst 3rd, 20, of the 200 block of Spry Island Road, Joppa, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel from the Baltimore County Fire Department.

The second driver is identified as Tristan J. Klein, 37, of the 1200 block of Francis Avenue, Arbutus, Md. He was transported to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for treatment. He is currently listed in stable condition.

An initial investigation has been conducted by troopers from the Golden Ring Barrack, with the assistance of the Maryland State Police CRASH Team. Upon further investigation, it has been determined that Kirst, who was operating the 2006 Ford Focus, drifted from the travel portion of northbound I-95 onto the grassy median. The vehicle continued in the grassy median for over 200 feet before hitting an embankment and becoming airborne. The Ford landed on eastbound I-195 and struck a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban on the passenger side.

There were no passengers in either vehicle.

Investigators were able to determine that Kirst was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. There has been no determination of vehicle speeds at this time.

Due to the severity of the crash and the amount of debris, troopers closed eastbound I-195 for approximately three hours. State Highway Administration personnel assisted with road closures.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, Golden Ring Barracks at (410) 780-2700.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.