Police Investigate Fatal Accident in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred on Old Columbia Pike at 2:40 a.m. on Dec. 28.

Patrol officers responded to the collision in the 11700 block of Old Columbia Pike in Silver Spring. Upon arrival, officers observed a red 2003 Infiniti G35 and a gray 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe involved in a head-on collision.

According to police, the preliminary investigation indicates the Chevrolet was traveling southbound on Old Columbia Pike. The Infiniti was traveling northbound on Old Columbia Pike and crossed the center line into the southbound traffic, police said. The Infiniti and Chevrolet collided head-on in the southbound lanes, according to police.

Police said the front passenger of the Infiniti was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police have identified him as Oscar Alexander Orellana, age 18, of the 2400 block of Sheraton Street in Wheaton.

The driver of the Infiniti and a rear passenger were both transported to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, police said. The driver of the Infiniti is identified by police as Cristian Omar Vargas, age 19, of the 3100 block of Medway Street in Wheaton. The rear passenger is identified by police as Kyle Robinson, age 23, the 10700 block of Shaftsbury Street in Kensington.

Police identified the driver of the Tahoe as Edwin Alexander Rivera, age 25, of the 8100 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Investigators are looking at whether alcohol and seat belt usage may have been factors but the circumstances of this collision remain under investigation. No charges have been placed at this time. Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240.773.6620. Callers may remain anonymous.

About Staff Writer

View all posts by Staff Writer