SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury Police Department is investigating a deadly crash that claimed the life of 18-year-old Jamal Purnell early Sunday morning on the Salisbury Overhead Bridge. The crash, which also left a teenage passenger injured, occurred around 4:05 a.m. on September 28 along Route 13 near Bridgeview Street.
Responding officers discovered a single vehicle, a Nissan Sentra, that had struck the side barrier of the bridge. The impact was so severe that the car ignited, sending flames into the early morning sky.
Firefighters from the Salisbury Fire Department were first on the scene, working quickly to extinguish the blaze and secure the area. Despite their efforts, Purnell, the driver, was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS. Authorities confirmed he sustained fatal injuries from both the collision and the resulting fire.
A 17-year-old male passenger was rescued from the wreckage and transported to a local hospital. He is reported to be in stable condition, though the extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.
Officials confirmed that no other vehicles were involved. Preliminary findings suggest the driver lost control of the vehicle before striking the bridge barrier, but the exact cause remains under investigation. The Maryland State Police crash reconstruction team is assisting Salisbury Police in examining roadway conditions, mechanical factors, speed, and potential impairment.
The sudden loss of Jamal Purnell has deeply shaken his family and community. At just 18 years old, his life was only beginning, making the tragedy especially heartbreaking for those who knew him. Loved ones are expected to gather in the coming days to honor his memory and support the injured passenger in his recovery.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the Nissan Sentra beforehand to contact the Salisbury Police Department at (410) 548-3165 or the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at (410) 749-3101.
Traffic along Route 13 was temporarily closed during the response but has since reopened. Officials continue to stress the importance of safe driving practices, particularly among young motorists and in hazardous conditions such as bridge overpasses.
The investigation remains active, and further updates will be released as more details become available.