One Passenger Remains in Critical Condition after Fatal Accident

Obafami Ilupeju, 21, remains in critical condition at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center on Monday as a result of injuries sustained during a which killed a Columbia teen early Thursday morning, according to a shock trauma spokesperson.

The spokesperson said two other passengers, Dontrell Milner, 20, and Tres Quante Jones, 20, were released from shock trauma on July 12.

Shaquan Jamal Curtis, 17, of Columbia, was killed in the collision after the 2003 Audi A6 he was driving struck a tree around 3 a.m. Thursday morning. Police said speed was believed to be the primary factor of the collision and that alcohol may have been involved.

Police have not responded to requests for more information about the cause of the accident.

At the crash scene on Thursday morning, remains of the accident surrounded the tree near the intersection of Columbia Road and Tarkington Place. There were stains and skid marks on the road in front of the tree and glass and small car parts scattered around it.

Dodi Stewart, of Columbia, was at the scene on Thursday. She was wearing gardening gloves and picking up the remains of the accident.

"I've always said it's a speedway," said Stewart, who said she has been picking up trash along Columbia Road for four years. Columbia Road connects Route 175 to Route 108 in western Columbia. The road is wide, with large bike lanes on either side, and driving southbound, the road is downhill, with multiple flat curves. The posted speed limit is 35 mph.

Howard County police said there have been two other accidents on Columbia Road that caused injuries in the past year.

 "Every now and then I see police hidden looking for a speeders," said Stewart. "I always thank them."

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