Prisoners hurt as state van collides with car

A state Department of Corrections van carrying 11 prisoners collided with the rear of a passenger car on eastbound Route 32 in Savage yesterday morning, injuring several prisoners, Howard County fire and rescue officials said.

About 8:50 a.m., a corrections officer was driving the van from the Sykesville Central Laundry to the Maryland House of Corrections in Jessup, where the prisoners had medical appointments, said fire Lt. Michael Gearhart.

A car crossed the emergency lane to drive on westbound Route 32, causing a "chain reaction" of braking vehicles, Lieutenant Gearhart said. The corrections van hit the rear of the passenger car.

The driver, who was not immediately identified, was not injured, the lieutenant said.

Two prisoners reportedly had difficulty breathing after the accident and were taken by ambulance to the Greater Laurel-Beltsville Hospital.

Others complained about back and neck injuries and were taken in four ambulances accompanied by corrections officers to their original destination at the House of Corrections, where they were treated, Lieutenant Gearhart said.

POLICE LOG

* Savage: 9500 block of Jeannie Court: Game cartridges and other items were stolen from a home after someone entered by breaking through a basement window Monday, police said.