Tragedy Strikes Birthday Party in Bladensburg: One Dead, Dozens Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash
What should have been a joyful birthday celebration in Bladensburg, Maryland, turned into a night of heartbreak and confusion when a vehicle suddenly crashed into a yard filled with children and adults.
On Saturday night, a 31-year-old woman, Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez of Washington, D.C., lost her life in what authorities are calling a fatal hit-and-run. Thirteen others were injured, including eight children aged 1 to 17 and five adults.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on the 4100 block of 55th Avenue, where a vehicle veered off the road and slammed into a birthday party tent. The driver, a 66-year-old man also from Washington, D.C., later surrendered to police and has been interviewed by investigators. Prosecutors from the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office are currently reviewing the case, and criminal charges are expected, though the driver’s identity has not been publicly released.
Medical officials report that most of the injured children have been treated and released, with one remaining in stable condition. Among the adults, three remain hospitalized in stable condition, one is awaiting treatment, and another has been discharged.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the crash and bring clarity and justice to this devastating moment.
Conclusion
A community celebration in Bladensburg was shattered in an instant by a reckless act, leaving a family grieving and many recovering from injury. As officials continue their investigation, the memory of Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez and the wounded serve as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the critical need for responsibility behind the wheel. The neighborhood now faces the difficult path of healing, united in sorrow and hope for justice.