A driver headed the wrong way on Route 50 in Maryland early Sunday, causing a head-on crash that killed her and another driver, officials say.
Maritza Elizabeth Martinez, of Riverdale, and Lisa Marie Lomax, of Forestville, were killed, Maryland State Police said. Martinez was 31, and Lomax was 53.
The younger driver was in the wrong lane and caused the crash, police said.
According to a preliminary investigation, Martinez drove a white Honda Civic west in the eastbound lanes of Route 50 just east of the Kenilworth Avenue exit, in the area of Hyattsville and Cheverly. She crashed head-on into a white Hyundai Sonata being driven by Lomax.
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State troopers responded at about 5:10 a.m. and both drivers were declared dead at the scene. Lanes of Route 50 were temporarily closed.
Tow trucks could be seen hauling away damaged cars.
Residents in the area of the crash said Monday that signage there can be confusing. They wondered if it could have played a role in the tragedy.
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“I’ve found myself in that situation before. I’ve actually got on 50 the wrong way,” one driver said.
Some said the signs aren’t visible enough at night, drivers said.
Police did not rule out driver confusion. The investigation is ongoing.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.
