URGENT UPDATE: A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Bladensburg, Maryland, when a car plowed into a children’s birthday party tent, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to 13 others. Authorities reported that a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., initially fled the scene but later turned himself in to police. Criminal charges are pending against him.
The victim has been identified as Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, aged 31, also from Washington. The devastating crash occurred as the party was in full swing, with children celebrating when chaos erupted. Witnesses described hearing loud booms, followed by screams and frantic emergency responses.
Jocelyn Route, a former Prince George’s County school board member, recounted the harrowing moments after the crash. “I was awakened by big booms… There were ambulances all around, there was a car that was actually in the yard, there was screaming,” she told a local news affiliate. Route witnessed emergency personnel attempting to resuscitate Gutierrez, who was tragically pinned beneath the vehicle.
The injured include six adults and eight children aged between 1 and 17 years old. Victims were swiftly transported to local hospitals, where one child remains in stable condition. Among the adults, three are still hospitalized, while one is awaiting treatment, and another has been released.
Video footage emerging from the scene shows a tent, believed to be part of the birthday celebration, torn open and partially collapsed. Neighbors reported that the vehicle had been driving erratically prior to the crash, heightening concerns about public safety in the area.
As investigations continue, community members are left in shock, grappling with the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event. The Bladensburg Police Department is actively working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Residents are urged to stay updated as the situation develops, with more information anticipated as authorities conduct their investigation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the urgent need for safety in community gatherings.
For the latest updates, stay tuned as we bring you the most current information on this tragic event.
