PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD – Tragedy struck a tight-knit Maryland community Monday morning when two children were fatally hit by a vehicle while walking to their neighborhood school, according to local law enforcement officials. The children were on their way to Riverdale Elementary School, located in Prince George’s County, when the unfortunate incident occurred at approximately 8 a.m.
Immediately following the incident, the two young victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Classmates of the victims stated that the deceased were a boy and a girl, though authorities have yet to confirm these details. Relaying her witnessing account, one fourth grader at Riverdale Elementary School said, “A lady got out of the van. It was a black van. And then next I saw a bunch of teachers running.”
In the wake of the devastating incident, all activities at the school, including an honor roll awards ceremony planned for the same day, were called off.
Some community members raised concerns over the lack of school-provided traffic control during drop-offs and pick-ups at the school. A local resident, Patricia Ramirez, mentioned that she did not observe any traffic guard present when she dropped her sister off at the school that fateful morning. She further commented on the chaotic nature of the school’s present traffic organization, stating,”There’s no organizing when it comes to picking up, dropping off at all.”
Millard House II, the Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools, sent out a heartfelt letter to the district families following the tragedy. The letter acknowledged the deep sorrow shared by the community during this time of immense loss, particularly in light of the fast-approaching Thanksgiving holiday, and called for unity and mutual support.
As the community mourns this tragic event, local authorities persist in their investigation into the cause of the crash.