Tragic Crash in Howard County: Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision Under Investigation After Car Slams Into Building in Columbia
COLUMBIA, MD — A devastating motor vehicle collision in Howard County is under active investigation after a car plowed into a commercial building on Monday afternoon, resulting in a fatality and partial building collapse. The incident, which occurred at approximately 9375 Gerwig Lane in Columbia, has left the local community shaken and prompted a comprehensive response from emergency and structural safety crews.
According to the Howard County Police Department and emergency dispatchers, first responders were dispatched to the scene around 2:30 p.m. on May 5, 2025, following reports of a vehicle crashing into a structure in the business district. Upon arrival, rescue teams discovered that a vehicle had struck the building with such force that it caused a partial collapse of the structure’s exterior wall.
Inside the vehicle, officials located a single occupant—an adult who was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene. Their identity has not yet been released pending family notification.
The building, which houses multiple small commercial units and offices, was evacuated immediately as a precaution. Howard County Fire and Rescue Services deployed structural engineers to assess the extent of the damage to ensure the stability of the remaining portions of the building. Fortunately, no one inside the building at the time of the crash was reported injured.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash, including whether the driver experienced a medical emergency, mechanical failure, or was traveling at an excessive speed. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed, and a full accident reconstruction team is involved in the ongoing investigation.
“The loss of life in any traffic collision is heartbreaking,” said a spokesperson from the Howard County Police Department. “We are committed to understanding what led to this tragedy and ensuring the safety of all residents and workers in this area.”
Howard County officials have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage from the area around Gerwig Lane on Monday afternoon to contact investigators.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
Local business owners along Gerwig Lane expressed shock at the incident. Several said they heard a loud crash and initially believed it was construction noise before realizing the severity of the situation.
“I ran out and saw the front of the building caved in,” said one eyewitness who works nearby. “The car was almost completely inside the wall. It’s a miracle no one else got hurt.”
As the community mourns the tragic loss, county leaders and safety advocates are also calling for increased attention to traffic safety, particularly in commercial areas where pedestrian and business activity is high.
Next Steps
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. Meanwhile, building inspectors will continue assessing structural damage to determine if the building can be safely reoccupied or requires partial demolition and repair.
Howard County Police will release more information—including the identity of the deceased—once it is appropriate to do so and all investigative steps have been taken.
This is a developing story.