Tragedy Strikes DC Birthday Party: Hit-and-Run Driver Leaves Woman Dead and 8 Children Injured

A tragic incident unfolded in suburban Washington, D.C., when a hit-and-run driver crashed into an outdoor birthday celebration, resulting in the death of a woman and injuring eight children, authorities reported.

The collision occurred in Bladensburg, Maryland, and left a total of thirteen individuals injured, as confirmed by both the city’s police department and the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department.

In a statement, Bladensburg Police revealed that the children harmed in the incident ranged from just 1 year old to 17 years old.

Images and footage shared across social media depicted the alarming scene—a sedan lodged beneath a white tent on the lawn of a residential property.

After initially fleeing the scene on foot, the driver eventually surrendered to law enforcement officials.

The 66-year-old man has been interviewed by investigators who are consulting with prosecutors about what criminal charges to file.

The woman killed was identified as Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, 31, of Washington. At least three adults and one child remained in the hospital Sunday, police said.

Police initially said nine children were injured and their ages ranged from 2 to 9 years old.