A heartbreaking incident occurred on Monday morning as a vehicle fatally struck two children while they were walking to Riverdale Elementary School in Prince George’s County. The victims have been identified as 10-year-old Shalom Mbah and 5-year-old Sky Sosa, both residents of Riverdale. The tragic collision took place at around 8 a.m. when a woman driving a Ford van collided with the children on a crosswalk outside the school.
Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz revealed that the two students were critically injured and despite the efforts of responding police who provided medical aid, they later succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital. A man who was walking with the victims also suffered injuries, but they are not life-threatening. The driver of the van did not sustain any injuries in the incident.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the van driver was traveling southbound on Taylor Road towards Riverdale Road. Upon making a left turn onto Riverdale Road, she struck the victims who were crossing the street on a designated crosswalk.
Chief Malik Aziz expressed deep sympathy for the families and friends of the victims during a news conference, stating, “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.” The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit (CARU) is conducting a thorough investigation into the collision, a process that may take several months to complete.
A fourth-grade student who witnessed the tragic incident shared his account, mentioning that a lady got out of the black van, followed by several teachers rushing to the scene. The devastating event led to the cancellation of all activities at Riverdale Elementary School on Monday, including an honor roll award ceremony.
Concerns have been raised about traffic control at the school, with one parent, Patricia Ramirez, expressing her disappointment in the lack of organization during drop-off and pick-up times. However, Millard House II, the superintendent of Prince George’s County Public School, expressed his grief and extended condolences to the families affected by the unimaginable loss. He urged the community to come together, supporting one another during this difficult time and cherishing the precious moments with loved ones.
As investigations continue, the entire community mourns the loss of two young lives just days before Thanksgiving. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility and calls for unity and strength in the face of such devastating circumstances.
