On January 20, 2026, at approximately 3:57 p.m., Maryland State Police provided an update regarding an ongoing investigation into a fatal head-on collision that occurred Monday evening in Frederick County. The serious crash took place along Route 194 in the Walkersville area and involved two pickup trucks, resulting in one fatality and another driver sustaining severe injuries.
According to investigators, the collision occurred at around 5:30 p.m. on northbound Route 194, just south of Crum Road. The vehicles involved were identified as a Chevrolet pickup truck driven by 60-year-old Daniel Price of Biglerville, Pennsylvania, and a Toyota pickup truck operated by a 58-year-old man whose name has not been released by authorities. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported and found extensive damage to both vehicles.
Price was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the collision. The driver of the Toyota pickup suffered serious injuries and required immediate medical attention. Due to the severity of his condition, he was airlifted by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a regional shock trauma center for advanced treatment.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the Chevrolet pickup crossed the center line for reasons that remain unclear. Investigators believe this action caused the vehicle to collide head-on with the oncoming Toyota pickup. At this stage, authorities have not identified contributing factors such as speed, mechanical failure, medical issues, or environmental conditions, noting that the investigation is still in its early phases.
Following the crash, troopers from the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack secured the area and closed traffic lanes on Route 194 for approximately two hours. The closure allowed investigators to document the scene, collect evidence, and safely remove the damaged vehicles from the roadway. Motorists traveling through the area experienced delays while the investigation was underway.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team has assumed responsibility for leading the comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collision. Officials emphasized that the inquiry remains active and ongoing as they work to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has relevant information to contact the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack. Police noted that public assistance can be valuable in helping investigators determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
