Caroline County, Maryland (February 28, 2026) — A 30-year-old Maryland man was killed, and two others were injured, Saturday afternoon after a crash involving a box truck on Maryland Route 480, according to Maryland State Police.
Authorities identified the deceased driver as Joseph Dsouza, of Ridgely. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. on Maryland Route 480 near Eveland Road.
Incident Details: According to Maryland State Police, the collision involved an Isuzu box truck and a Kia Sorento traveling in opposite directions along Route 480.
Investigators said the box truck was traveling northbound when it crossed the center line into the southbound lane. Authorities believe the Kia driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision by steering onto the southbound shoulder of the roadway. Despite the evasive maneuver, the vehicles collided off the roadway.
Emergency responders arrived and found both vehicles off the road following the crash. Dsouza, who was driving the Kia Sorento, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
A passenger in the Kia, Hillary Coelho, 50, of Kuwait, suffered serious injuries in the collision. Due to the severity of those injuries, he was airlifted by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a regional trauma center, where he continues to receive treatment.
The driver of the box truck, identified as James Sherry, 50, of Greensboro, was also injured in the crash and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Investigation: Maryland State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. In collisions where a vehicle crosses the center line into oncoming traffic, investigators typically focus on driver control, distraction, impairment, and roadway positioning. Determining why the box truck entered the opposing lane will likely be a central focus of the investigation.
Crash reconstruction specialists may analyze vehicle damage patterns, roadway debris fields, skid marks, and the final resting positions of the vehicles to determine the sequence of events. Investigators may also examine mechanical conditions of the vehicles and review witness statements if any motorists observed the crash.
Authorities indicated that impairment may have been a contributing factor, though toxicology testing and further investigation will be required before any final conclusions are reached.
Police said criminal charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving vehicles crossing into opposing lanes are often examined closely for signs of negligent or impaired driving. If investigators determine that impairment or reckless driving contributed to the collision, the driver responsible may face serious criminal charges. Head-on collisions and near-head-on crashes are among the most severe types of roadway incidents due to the combined forces of vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
In addition to the criminal investigation, if negligence is found, the Dsouza family may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral and burial costs, lost wages, and loss of support. Hillary may also pursue a personal injury claim to assist with her medical and rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Joseph Dsouza and wish Hillary strength and a speedy recovery.
Source: AOL News