A festive gathering turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak on Saturday night when a car struck multiple attendees at a child’s birthday party in Bladensburg, Maryland. The fire erupted around 10 PM. Tragically, one woman died, and at least 14 others, including two infant children, were hurt.
Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, 31, was one of those victims sent to the hospital after the wreck. Despite valiant attempts to rescue her, the Bladensburg Police Department announced on Sunday that she unfortunately passed away from her injuries. Her senseless passing has unfortunately overshadowed what should be a day of celebration for all the graduates and their families.
Officers arrived to find the scene cordoned off an hour after it happened. They discovered multiple victims shot outside a residence hosting a birthday party. Emergency services transported eleven victims to area hospitals, where they were treated for various traumatic injuries. Among those admitted to the hospital were children, aged from two to nine years old.
What started as a reported injury hit-and-run vehicle crash quickly turned into a confirmed fatality as the incident unfolded. In a statement about the incident, the police department underscored the seriousness of the situation.
“The hit and run vehicle collision has been updated to a fatality.” – Bladensburg Police Department
Police are still piecing together what happened before the crash and are looking for anyone with information. They have called on anyone with information about the vehicle or the driver responsible to step forward.
Our community is still living with the unimaginable consequences of this senseless act. It goes without saying that families are heartbroken over the loss of Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez and all those impacted by this collision. While this tragic event deeply impacts those physically harmed, the wounds extend far beyond them. It affects everyone who attended the party and all of their family members.