ELKRIDGE, Howard County, Md., Nov. 8, 2026 — Two drivers died early Saturday morning, November 7, after a wrong-way crash on northbound I-95 in Elkridge. Maryland State Police said the collision involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions in the same lanes.
Troopers were called to northbound I-95 near the 44-mile marker just before 4:30 a.m. for the crash. An initial investigation found that a driver of a 2025 Jeep Gladiator had been heading southbound in the northbound lanes when that vehicle struck a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling northbound. State police identified the drivers as a 37-year-old man from Rosedale and a 47-year-old man from Baltimore.
Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The police said alcohol and speed may have contributed to the crash, though that determination has not been finalized.
All northbound lanes of I-95 at the 44-mile marker, just north of Route 100, were shut down for several hours while investigators worked the scene. The roadway reopened by 10:30 a.m. The investigation remains active, state police said.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
More on Crashes in Elkridge, MD
This fatal crash happened on I-95 in Elkridge, MD. We cover crashes across Howard County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Howard County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Alcohol impairment is a common factor in wrong-way crashes, since intoxication can affect a driver's ability to recognize entry signs or correct course once headed the wrong direction. Investigators typically confirm impairment only after toxicology results are complete.
Are wrong-way crashes more likely on certain types of roads?
Divided highways with limited-access ramps, like interstates, see more wrong-way crashes than local roads, largely because a driver who enters going the wrong way may travel miles before encountering oncoming traffic.
Why do wrong-way crashes tend to result in serious injury or death?
Because both vehicles are typically moving toward each other at highway speed, the combined impact speed is much higher than in a same-direction rear-end or sideswipe collision, which increases the chance of severe injury or death.
What causes a driver to enter a highway going the wrong way?
Common causes include impairment, driver confusion at interchanges or ramps, fatigue, and missed or obscured wrong-way signage, though the specific cause in any crash is determined by investigators.
