Metro Briefs

DISTRICT

Three killed in fiery car crash

The multivehicle crash that occurred late Friday night in the 3300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast was caused by a Ford Mustang speeding eastbound that crossed into the westbound lanes, the Metropolitan Police Department said yesterday.

The Mustang hit a 1991 Toyota Camry and a 2003 Mercury Marquis taxi that were traveling west. The two occupants of the Mustang and the driver of the Toyota were killed.

The driver of the Mustang was identified as Jermard Rogers, 39, of Southeast. The passenger was identified as a 39-year-old male with no fixed address, until his family is notified. The Toyota driver was identified as Richard Watts, 44, of Northeast.

Nearby neighbors heard the crash, near Texas Avenue Southeast, and tried to help the trapped motorists but the cars were quickly engulfed in flames. The cab driver, John Tivade, 57, of Silver Spring, was rescued but severely burned.

MARYLAND

ANNAPOLIS

Smoking ban clears another hurdle

A statewide smoking ban moved closer to enactment yesterday when House lawmakers gave final approval.

The House voted 98-40 to end smoking in Maryland bars and restaurants. The bill allows bars to seek an exemption if they can prove their business suffers because of the ban, which would take effect in January.

The Senate is expected to give final passage to the ban tomorrow, and Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Democrat, plans to sign it into law. The only remaining hurdle is for lawmakers to agree on whether to exempt private nonprofit clubs such as the American Legion.

ANNAPOLIS

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