20 November 2023 , 19:01
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Two children have died after they were hit by a car while walking to school on Monday morning.
The two young children were walking to an elementary school in Prince George's County, Maryland, when they were struck by the vehicle, according to police. The crash happened at around 8am as the kids made their way to nearby Riverdale Elementary School.
Medics rushed the two children to the hospital in critical condition where they later died. Police confirmed that the driver involved in the crash remained at the scene to help officers with their investigations.
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The crash happened at a four-way stop intersection of Riverdale and Taylor roads directly across from the school's car park and main entrance. Images from the scene showed police tape surrounding the intersection with a backpack left lying on the pavement in the aftermath of the crash.
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Following the crash, Riverdale Elementary School told parents they could collect their children from school if they wished, with numerous children seen lining up outside to get checked out for the day. One local took to social media to speak out about the "infuriating" junction saying drivers do not follow laws and children often dash out into the road by the school.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Riverdale Park Police said: "At approximately 8am this morning RPPD was dispatched for a collision involving two children walking to school, ad Riv Rd and Taylor. This resulted in two fatalities [Prince George's Police Department] is on scene and assuming the investigation."
Locals have taken to social media to share their views on what they deem a dangerous intersection (FOX 5)Parents have been seen in the area crying as they come to terms with what has happened this morning. One woman spoke to ABC 7's Brad Bell outside the school, becoming emotional, she said: "There's no words, to be honest. Just to think they could be your [son/daughter]." Several came to the school to take their children home for the day.
There are also reports that Riverdale Elementary School was due to hold an awards assembly for honour roll students today. However, this and after-school activities have been cancelled.
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Delegate for the district Ashanti Martinez shared his thoughts on Twitter, writing: "My heartaches learning of the two students we lost this morning simply walking to school - we seriously need to get control of roadways and create safer streets. Walking in our community shouldn't potentially end your life. It doesn't have to be this way."
Other locals shared their views on the junction, with one noting: "Just last week, I stopped the required distance from a school bus with blinking lights & stop signs extended on each side of the bus, on Riverdale Road a couple of blocks west of Taylor and watched in despair as other cars sped around & passed the bus, running more stop signs."
Another said: "Awful. Drivers are always nuts/irresponsible at this intersection, something needs to be changed". While others wondered whether the school had crossing guards, and if so, where they were at the time.