On May 7, 2019, at approximately
8:08 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.
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 Brandon.Foor@stmarysmd.com.
