UPDATE 12:45 p.m.- The Maryland State Police-College Park Commander Pickett held a press conference this afternoon regarding the single-vehicle crash on Northbound Route 301 near Pointer Ridge Drive.
Police say the 2005 Pacifica was traveling northbound when it lost control and crossed the centerlineb left line. After leaving the road, the vehicle struck multiple trees before spinning into a snow covered field. The preliminary reports say the vehicle did not flip.
Police say seven people were in the vehicle, including five children, ranging in ages from 5-15 years old; none of which were in vehicle restraints. All five children were ejected from the vehicle, and pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel.
The two adults, the driver Dominique R. Taylor, 32 of Bowie, Maryland and front seat passenger Cornell D. Simon, 23 of Oxon Hill, Maryland, were transported to University of Maryland Prince George’s Hospital Center. Simon is in critical condition.
Commander Pickett says the roadway was closed for approximately seven(7) hours and recently reopened. The Maryland State Police Crash Reconstruction Team has finished its preliminary reconstruction at the scene and is now working on compiling all of the data.
The children who died have been identified as follows:
- Paris Dixon, 5, of Bowie, Maryland
- London Dixon, 8, of Bowie, Maryland
- Rickelle Ricks, 6, of D.C.
- Zion Beard, 14, of D.C.
- Damari Herald, 15, of D.C.
Bowie, MD- Maryland State Police are investigating a single vehicle crash that happened on Northbound Route 301 in Bowie, Md shortly after 6 a.m. today.
The State Police are confirming several people were killed, including at least two children.
All NB lanes of Rt 301 near Pointer Ridge Dr remain closed as crash investigation continues. Multiple fatalities involving children occurred in this single vehicle crash. Identities are still being confirmed and family notifications will follow…. — MD State Police (@MDSP) February 2, 2019
All Northbound lanes in the Route 301 in the area of Pointer Ridge Drive are closed at this time. Officials are planning a press briefing at 12:30 p.m. with more details of the crash.
This is a developing story.
