Fatal Vehicle Collision Under Investigation in Salisbury, Maryland

Salisbury, MD - The Salisbury Police Department is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the early morning hours of September 28, 2025.

Officers responded to the scene at approximately 4:05 a.m. following reports of a crash near the overhead bridge on N. Salisbury Boulevard (Rt 13) close to Bridgeview Street in Salisbury, Maryland.

Upon arrival, police discovered a four-door sedan that had collided with the bridge's side barrier. The vehicle was completely engulfed in flames when officers reached the scene. Members of the Salisbury Fire Department were already present and extinguishing the fire.

The initial investigation revealed that 18-year-old Jamal Purnell was operating a 2019 Nissan Sentra traveling northbound on N. Salisbury Boulevard when the vehicle allegedly struck the bridge's side barrier.

Purnell was pronounced deceased at the scene by Salisbury EMS personnel due to injuries sustained from the collision and subsequent fire.

A 17-year-old male passenger was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Salisbury EMS transported the passenger to a local hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

The Maryland State Police is currently conducting an Advanced Crash Investigation into the incident.

Authorities are seeking assistance from the public in their investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at (410) 548-3165 or the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at (410) 749-3101.