MILLERSVILLE, Md. — A man who stopped to help a pedestrian struck by a car was then struck by a different car, resulting in both men being rushed to the hospital, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department said.
The incidents occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Firefighters responded to the 1200 block of Ritchie Highway in Arnold, where a man in his 40s had been struck by another car as he walked along the road. A 36-year-old man had stopped to help the injured pedestrian, only for the both of them to be struck then by another vehicle.
The man in his 40s who was originally struck was taken to Maryland Shock Trauma in Baltimore via a Maryland State Police Medevac helicopter. His injuries were considered critical and possibly life threatening. The 36-year-old man was take to the Anne Arundel Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.
Officials say although it may be admirable to lend a hand while someone is in distress on the highway, it does come with an inherent danger.
It's human nature to want to help. We see many incidents where police and fire who do have the benefit of emergency lighting or reflective vest get struck. You have to take everything into consideration. I believe it was probably dark circumstances and again it's hard to be critical of somebody of someone who just wants to help but you have to consider your personal safety.
Fire official believe both drivers that hit people stayed on the scene. Police are still investigating to determine if the drivers or the pedestrians were at fault.
