Man Killed in Fiery Crash in Prince George's County

Overturned SUV burst into flames during rescue attempt

A man died in a crash in Springdale, Md., Monday afternoon, after his vehicle burst into flames on Martin Luther King Highway (Route 704).

Authorities say that about 12:40 p.m., an SUV traveling westbound at a high rate of speed  sideswiped the guardrail and overturned on the bridge above the Capital Beltway, trapping 70-year-old Rodwell McNeill Jr. of Glenarden inside.

Lt. John Boesman, a 21-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department, attempted to rescue McNeill, but suffered second-degree burns to his hand and right side of his face as the SUV burst into flames, said the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.

The fire became too intense for police to rescue McNeill. 

Paramedics took Boesman (pictured right) to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries. He was released from the hospital Tuesday after receiving treatment for the burns and stitches for an injury to hi palm.

Paula Young, McNeill's mother-in-law, said McNeill had been returning from a doctor's appointment when the crash happened. She said he was a devoted husband and a father of five.

"He was the greatest," she said. "Couldn't ask for a  better guy."

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