A tragic incident unfolded during a child’s birthday party as a vehicle veered off the road and crashed into guests, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to over a dozen individuals. The accident occurred late Saturday night in Bladensburg, near Washington DC, where friends and family had gathered under a marquee for the celebration. Suddenly, a light-colored sedan plowed through the tent, packed with families, causing chaos and injuries to eight children, ranging from one to 17 years old. Emergency responders described a chaotic scene as they attended to the victims.
The driver reportedly accelerated and struck multiple people, causing destruction inside the tent, with overturned chairs, decorations, and birthday balloons scattered around the sedan. Tragically, a woman named Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez from Washington, DC, lost her life due to the crash. Thirteen people sustained injuries, including six children who were treated on-site and released, while one child remains in stable condition at the hospital. Additionally, three adults are hospitalized.
The 66-year-old driver initially fled the scene but later surrendered to the authorities. Following questioning, prosecutors are assessing potential criminal charges. The Bladensburg police provided an update stating that most of the juvenile victims have been treated and released, with one child remaining in stable condition. Among the adults, some are stable, one awaits treatment, and another has been discharged.