Prince George’s County, MD (April 26, 2026) – A highway worker was killed Saturday morning after being struck by a vehicle while setting up traffic cones on the Capital Beltway inner loop near Maryland Route 414.
Maryland State Police reported that the incident occurred shortly before noon on April 25 on the ramp from St. Barnabas Road. A 40-year-old Ellicott City man, identified as Robert Dempsey, was outside an emergency work vehicle, placing cones, when he was hit by a Mazda CX-5. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Mazda, a 41-year-old man from Fort Washington identified as Joshua Anderson, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported in the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Robert Dempsey.
Why Highway Work Zone Crashes Can Be Especially Severe
Crashes in active work zones often involve reduced space for both drivers and workers. When traffic lanes are narrowed or shifted, drivers may have less time to react to roadside activity, especially when crews are placing cones or setting up traffic controls.
Highway workers are frequently exposed to fast-moving traffic, making visibility and driver awareness critical safety factors. Even brief lapses in attention can lead to serious or fatal outcomes. Investigations in these incidents typically examine vehicle speed, lane positioning, and roadway conditions at the time of the crash.
