BLADENSBURG, Md. (AP) — A hit-and-run incident occurred on Saturday evening, injuring a total of eleven individuals, including nine children and two adults, during an outdoor birthday party in Bladensburg, Maryland, which is situated in suburban Washington, D.C. The local police department and the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department reported that the chaos unfolded around 10:15 p.m. when a vehicle veered off Maryland Highway 450.
According to the authorities, a girl and a toddler suffered critical injuries as a result of the crash. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, where they discovered the aftermath of the collision, including disturbing video footage shared on social media, showcasing a white tent that had its front torn off, indicating the severity of the impact.
In addition to the critically injured individuals, seven other children, aged between 2 and 9 years old, as well as two adults, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the incident. This alarming event took place during what was meant to be a joyful celebration, turning a festive gathering into a scene of chaos and concern.
The driver of the vehicle, who fled the scene on foot shortly after the collision, remains unidentified and has not yet been apprehended by the authorities. As investigations continue, officials have not established the specific causes behind the vehicle's erratic behavior leading to the crash.
This incident raises pressing questions about driver accountability and the safety of public spaces, particularly those frequented by families and children during celebratory events. Community members are understandably shaken, reflecting on the potential dangers that can arise unexpectedly in everyday situations.
The local government and law enforcement are actively seeking information from the public to assist in locating the driver responsible for this reckless act. They have urged anyone with relevant details or eyewitness accounts to come forward, highlighting the community's role in promoting safety and justice in light of such troubling events.
