Speed was apparently a factor in two accidents on county roads yesterday, one claiming the life of a motorcyclist and the other sending three Pasadena teen-agers to Maryland Shock Trauma Center, authorities reported.
The first accident occurred about 12:20 a.m. when Latonya Birckhead, 18, lost control of a 1994 Ford as she approached a curve on Solley Road near Energy Parkway.
As she attempted to regain control of the vehicle, the car spun off the shoulder and struck a steel pole. The impact caused the passenger compartment to collapse, according to Officer John R. Bull Jr. of Anne Arundel County police.
Birckhead, of the 700 block of 223rd St., was flown by state police helicopter to shock trauma in Baltimore, as were her two passengers, Matthew Olen Davis of the 8600 block of Houlton Harbour and Heather Renee Willig of the 100 block of Jackpine Drive, both 16. The three were in critical condition last night, according to hospital officials.
Birckhead was wearing a seat belt, but her passengers were not, police said.
The other accident occurred in the Severn area about 2:30 a.m., claiming the life of motorcyclist Patrick Michael Belz, police said.
Belz, 25, of the 7800 block of Statesman St. in Severn was riding a 1996 Yamaha east on Stone Castle Drive when it veered and struck the median at Pavilion Drive. Belz was thrown from the motorcycle after it struck a highway reflector support, according to Officer C. Gregory Russell.
Belz was flown to shock trauma, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, police said.
