Maryland State Police have identified the woman killed Wednesday when her car crossed the median of Interstate 97 and crashed head-on into a tractor-trailer as Keena Latanya Parker, 20, of Annapolis.
Her passenger, Kirby Landers, 23, of Glen Burnie, remained in serious condition yesterday at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
The tractor-trailer driver, Steven G. Norman Sr., 46, of Greenville, S.C., and his 6-year-old son, Steven G. Norman Jr., who was traveling with him, were unhurt.
Police did not know why Parker lost control of her white Mazda RX-7 north of the Route 178 exit as she was heading south shortly before 6 p.m.
Her car began to fishtail, crossed the median and struck the tractor-trailer head-on, police said.
Parker, who was thrown partly through the windshield, was pronounced dead at the scene. The impact of the crash mangled the car and flung pieces up to 20 feet.
"When a small car hits a tractor trailer," said Cpl. James Johnson, "even at 55 miles an hour, it's going to be pretty gruesome."
Police are continuing to investigate the accident.
Pub Date: 6/27/97
