A 31-year-old woman tragically lost her life following a Saturday night hit-and-run crash in Bladensburg, Maryland, an incident that also left more than a dozen people injured, turning what should have been a joyful weekend into a scene of shock and grief. Authorities report that a 66-year-old driver from Washington, D.C., who was involved in the accident, has since turned himself in and now faces pending criminal charges. The incident occurred when a vehicle struck a birthday party gathering on 55th Avenue, where families had come together to celebrate, leaving the community in disbelief.
BLADENSBURG, Md. – Bladensburg police confirmed that the fatal crash occurred Saturday evening when a car plowed into a yard tent set up for a child’s birthday party, turning a moment of celebration into sudden tragedy. Multiple individuals were hurt, including children and adults, highlighting the severity and unexpected nature of the accident. Neighbors, partygoers, and first responders were left shaken as they witnessed the immediate aftermath of the collision.
What we know so far:
The Bladensburg Police Department verified on Sunday that the incident has been classified as a fatal hit-and-run. The woman who tragically lost her life has been identified as 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, a resident of Washington, D.C. Officials stated that the 66-year-old male driver, also from Washington, D.C., voluntarily turned himself in and cooperated with authorities during the crash investigation, providing statements to law enforcement personnel on site.
Prosecutors from the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office are actively reviewing the case to determine the exact charges that will be filed, with criminal charges pending. While the driver’s identity has not been publicly released at this time, police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities are carefully reconstructing the events leading up to the crash to establish accountability and determine the full circumstances of the tragic incident.
The backstory:
Investigators report that the vehicle left the roadway around 10 p.m. on Saturday night and struck a group of people who were gathered outside a home on the 4100 block of 55th Avenue. The gathering had been intended as a celebration for a child’s birthday, with friends and family present, including parents, children, and other loved ones. In total, 14 people were injured — eight children ranging in age from 1 to 17 years old, and six adults, including Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, who later succumbed to her injuries.
Among the children, six have already received medical treatment and been released from the hospital, while one child remains hospitalized in stable condition. Regarding the adults, three are currently admitted and listed as stable, one adult is awaiting treatment, and one has been discharged. Authorities are continuing to monitor the condition of the hospitalized victims and provide updates to families as appropriate.
Law enforcement officials continue to emphasize that the investigation remains active, with police and county prosecutors coordinating closely to piece together the timeline, examine evidence, and ensure that justice is served. Officers are also reviewing eyewitness accounts, video footage from the scene, and any other available information that can help clarify how the vehicle left the road and why the tragic collision occurred.
Community members and local officials have expressed shock and sorrow over the events, describing the crash as a devastating loss for a family and a wake-up call for neighborhood safety measures. In the wake of this tragedy, residents are rallying around the injured and the grieving, while authorities continue their efforts to hold the responsible party accountable.