Maryland students fatally struck by van on way to school identified: police
Share and Follow

The two children who were struck and killed by a van driver as they walked to school in Maryland Monday morning have been named as more details about the fatal collision become known.

The two victims – 10-year-old Shalom Mbah and 5-year-old Sky Sosa, both of Riverdale – were on a crosswalk outside Riverdale Elementary School in Prince George’s County and on their way to class at around 8 a.m. when a woman driving a Ford van collided with them, Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz said Tuesday morning.

Responding police provided medical aid to the two students who were suffering from critical injuries. They were both transported to a nearby hospital where they died a short time later, police said.

van in school crash surrounded by police tape

The Ford van involved in a collision with two students in Maryland on Monday. The victims have been named as 10-year-old Shalom Mbah and 5-year-old Sky Sosa. (Riverdale police)

SIX DEAD, 15 INJURED IN OHIO CRASH INVOLVING BUS CARRYING BAND STUDENTS

Aziz also revealed that a man who was walking with the victims was also struck. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The van driver was not injured.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the van driver was traveling southbound on Taylor Road toward Riverdale Road. She made a left turn onto Riverdale Road and struck the victims, who were crossing the street on a crosswalk, police said.

“Two families, friends, are without their children today, at a time when we are gearing up to give thanks for all the blessings that have been bestowed on us,” Aziz said at a news conference, according to NBC.

aerial view of maryland school crash

Police on the scene of the crash in Maryland that killed two students Monday. (Riverdale police)

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit (CARU) is investigating the fatal collision. CARU’s investigation could take months to complete, officials said.

A fourth grader who witnessed the tragic incident spoke to FOX 5.

“A lady got out of the van. It was a black van. And then next I saw a whole bunch of teachers running,” the student said.

All activities at Riverdale Elementary School were canceled Monday, including an award ceremony for honor roll students. 

aerial view school accident in Maryland Monday

An aerial view of the accident scene in Maryland Monday. (Riverdale police)

6 MARYLAND HIGHWAY WORKERS KILLED WHEN ACURA FLIPS IN BALTIMORE WORK ZONE

Patricia Ramirez, who was dropping her sister off at school, told FOX 5 she did not see a traffic guard at the school that morning.

“There’s no organizing when it comes to picking up, dropping off at all,” Ramirez said. “Staff is amazing, and they try to help out as best they can but as far as traffic control out here, it’s horrible.” 

Millard House II, the superintendent of Prince George’s County Public School, released a statement sharing his grief.

“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,” he said. 

“The entire community is grieving, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this unimaginable loss during Thanksgiving week.”

The front entrance to Riverdale Elementary School in Maryland

Riverdale Elementary School in Maryland (Google Maps)

“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,” he wrote.

“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.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bill Maher Slams TV Dads and “Performative Pussy-Hood” in Father’s Day Rant on ‘Real Time’: “Can’t the Pendulum Ever Land in the Middle?”

Bill Maher Criticizes Portrayal of TV Fathers and False Femininity on Father’s Day Speech on ‘Real Time’: “Why Can’t We Find a Balance?”

At its 700th episode mark, Real Time with Bill Maher celebrated the…
Gabrielle Union reveals the 'stupid' purchase she made with her first big paycheck

Gabrielle Union shares the ‘regrettable’ purchase she made with her first major earnings

Gabrielle Union candidly revealed she spent her first big paycheck on a…
New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom

Texas to mandate display of Ten Commandments in every public school classroom

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas will require all public school classrooms to…
Mini black holes could be hiding in your HOME, scientists warn

Warning: Possible existence of small black holes in your house, say scientists

Black holes are some of the most violent and destructive objects in…
Israeli forces recover bodies of three hostages from Gaza

Israeli troops retrieve the remains of three captives in Gaza

Israeli authorities have found the remains of three captives who were kept…
Trump's right-hand MAGA ally has a chilling warning on Iran

A close ally of Trump from the MAGA movement issues a concerning alert regarding Iran

Longtime Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon who was spot-on with his prediction that…
Hot-air balloon fire in Brazil kills eight people

Tragedy in Brazil as eight individuals die in hot-air balloon accident.

According to the pilot, who was one of the survivors, a fire…
Trump declares 'spectacular military success' after Iran bombings

Trump claims ‘impressive military achievement’ following airstrikes in Iran

President Donald Trump described the recent attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites…