RIVERDALE PARK, Md. — Two children were killed Monday morning after being hit by a vehicle near an elementary school in Riverdale Park.
According to Prince George's County Fire & EMS, around 8 a.m., the two children were crossing the street in a crosswalk on their way to school when they were struck by a vehicle, not far from Riverdale Elementary School.
The kids were taken to an area hospital with critical injuries.
Not long after, the Riverdale Park Police Department announced that the kids had died from their injuries.
On Tuesday, police identified the two children as 5-year-old Sky Sosa and 10-year-old Shalom Mbah, both of Riverdale. Investigators say an adult male relative of one of the children who was walking with the children was also hit, but his injuries are not considered life-threatening.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a woman was driving a van southbound on Taylor Road toward Riverdale Road. The driver made a left turn onto Riverdale Road where she struck the two students and the man who were crossing the street in a crosswalk.
"We lost two of our youngest people. Two families are grieving today at a time when we are gearing up to give thanks for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us for a year," Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz said.
Aziz said the police department has obtained video of the crash and investigators are working to review that video now. Aziz asked anyone else who may have video to come forward and speak to the investigators.
As is standard with all fatal crashes, once the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit completes its investigation, the findings are turned over to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges. CARU’s investigation can take months to complete. The PGPD investigates all fatal crashes that occur in the town of Riverdale Park.
Anyone with information on this case who would like to speak to an investigator is asked to call the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at 301-731-4422. Anonymous tips can be given via Prince George's County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Please refer to case number 23-0069148.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Superintendent Millard House said they are working to ensure that full coverage of crossing guards are in place.
Chief Aziz pointed to a shortage of crossing guards in Prince George's County, but said a crossing guard may not have made a difference in this case.
"It has been a challenge to bring crossing guards on board. We are not where we need to be in terms of meeting that challenge," Aziz said.
He called on anyone who wants to make sure kids cross streets safely to apply to be a crossing guard.
Prince George’s County Public Schools said that Tuesday will be an "asynchronous learning day" at Riverdale Elementary School. Counselors will be on site at the school.
Reactions to the tragedy
Following the tragic deaths of the two children, local officials have started sending their condolences to the family of the children for their "unimaginable loss."
Prince George’s County Superintendent Millard House said the entire community is grieving.
"Our hearts ache as we extend our deepest condolences following the tragic pedestrian accident that claimed the lives of two Riverdale Elementary School students this morning. The entire community is grieving, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this unimaginable loss during Thanksgiving week," House said. "As we approach the holiday dedicated to expressing gratitude and cherishing our loved ones, the stark reminder of life’s fragility weighs heavily on us. In the face of this tragedy, let us unite, supporting one another and holding our children a little tighter, recognizing the preciousness of every moment we have with our loved ones. Our community stands together in shared sorrow, offering comfort and strength during this difficult time."
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said the deaths were "especially heartbreaking" coming so close to the Thanksgiving holiday.
"The unimaginable loss of two innocent children struck and killed by a van while walking to school, has left our community in mourning," Alsobrooks said. "We extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families. During the time of year when many of us come together with family, it is especially heartbreaking that we find ourselves confronting this sorrow. Our hearts ache for these families who are now facing a permanent void during what should be a time of togetherness and Thanksgiving."
State's Attorney for Prince George's County Aisha Braveboy addressed the tragedy at an unrelated press conference on Monday.
"My heart goes out to the families of the two children who died today. It's very devastating to lose a child, and to lose a child in a horrific car accident on their way to school is really unbearable – unthinkable and just totally tragic," Braveboy said. "My heart again goes out – not only to the family, but also the children's friends and classmates as well as everyone who works at the school, who I'm sure encountered these children – and really the entire community. Accidents like this really inform us that any of us could be a victim of an automobile accident."
District 3 Council Member Eric Olson's Statement on Fatal Crash Near Elementary School:
Our community mourns today. We mourn the tragic loss of two young lives, students at Riverdale Elementary, struck on their way to school this morning. My heart aches for the families, friends, classmates, and teachers of the students, and for the entire community affected by this tragedy. Every child, and every member of our community, should be safe walking to school, work, shopping, transit or parks.
While we need to understand what this crash investigation reveals, I will continue to prioritize road design improvements throughout the county to protect pedestrians. We need infrastructure improvements from the state and county that prioritize pedestrian safety, and I will push for implementation of improvements specified in the recently passed Walkable Urban Streets standards as swiftly as possible.