Car drives through children’s party tent, killing 1 and hurting 13 in Maryland
What began as a joyful children's birthday celebration ended in tragedy when a vehicle crashed into partygoers gathered under a tent in a Maryland suburb. The collision left one woman dead and 13 others injured in what authorities are investigating as a fatal hit-and-run.
The incident occurred Saturday night around 10 p.m. in Bladensburg, Prince George's County, approximately six miles from Washington, D.C., according to Fox News. A 66-year-old man later turned himself in to authorities after initially fleeing the scene.
Families had gathered in a yard tent to celebrate a child's birthday when the suspect drove into the group. Authorities identified the deceased victim as Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, a 31-year-old resident of Washington, D.C.
Suspect Surrenders After Hit And Run Investigation
The driver fled the scene immediately following the collision, prompting authorities to launch a fatal hit-and-run investigation. The 66-year-old male suspect later turned himself in to police, though his identity has not been publicly released. Investigators have not disclosed what charges the suspect may face or what circumstances led to the crash.
The Bladensburg Police Department confirmed Sunday that they are treating the incident as a fatal hit-and-run case. Authorities have not revealed whether the collision was accidental or intentional as the investigation continues. The suspect's decision to surrender suggests potential cooperation with law enforcement efforts to understand the events.
Multiple Victims Hospitalized With Varying Injuries
Among the 13 injured victims were eight minors and five adults, reflecting the family-oriented nature of the birthday celebration. The young victims' ages and specific injuries have not been disclosed by authorities. Six of the juvenile victims received medical treatment and were subsequently released from hospitals.
One child remained hospitalized and was reported in stable condition according to the Bladensburg Police Department statement. The severity of injuries varied among the victims, with some requiring extended medical care. The incident highlights the vulnerability of outdoor gatherings to vehicle-related accidents.
Adult Victims Face Serious Medical Treatment
Three adult victims required hospital admission and were listed in stable condition as of the police statement. One additional adult was pending treatment at the time authorities provided updates on victim conditions. A fifth adult victim received medical evaluation and was released from care.
The range of adult injuries demonstrates the significant impact when the vehicle struck the tented gathering. Medical facilities in the Prince George's County area mobilized to treat the multiple victims from the single incident. The stable condition reports suggest that while injuries were serious, most victims are expected to recover.
Investigation Continues As Community Seeks Answers
The Bladensburg Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division is leading the ongoing investigation into the crash circumstances. Anyone with information related to the incident has been asked to contact investigators at 301-864-6080. Physical evidence at the scene included crumpled chairs and a collapsed tent that marked the celebration location.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Bladensburg Police Department for additional comment on the case. The incident adds to concerns about pedestrian and gathering safety in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area where similar tragedies have occurred recently.
Lessons to Learn
1. Vigilance during gatherings can be life-saving: Whether hosting a party in a public space or private yard, consider added safety measures such as protective barriers or signs that indicate children are present. These steps may deter reckless driving or unintentional vehicle intrusions.
2. Emergency plans matter: Quickly reacting to the unexpected can save lives. Designating adults to handle different aspects — like first aid, contacting emergency services, or managing children — can help in critical moments.
3. Always report suspicious or odd driving behavior: If someone is seen driving erratically or seems disoriented near a residential area, alerting authorities can prevent a potential disaster. That said, no amount of preparation can guarantee safety, and we must remember to never blame victims for circumstances beyond their control.
Why This Story Matters
This story resonates deeply because it highlights how quickly an ordinary family event can transform into a devastating chapter for a community. It draws attention to the ongoing issues of traffic safety, pedestrian vulnerability, and possible negligence on the road.
As the community mourns the loss of Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, the event serves as a tragic reminder of how critical it is to ensure the protection of families and children during recreational gatherings. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of swift justice and transparency when tragedy strikes in public spaces.
One woman is dead, and 13 others — including children — are recovering after a driver plowed through a family gathering in Bladensburg, Maryland. The crash occurred late Saturday night at a child’s birthday party, where guests were gathered beneath a tent. Police are treating the incident as a fatal hit-and-run, though the 66-year-old male suspect has since surrendered himself to authorities as the investigation continues.
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