A 66-year-old driver plowed through a child’s birthday party in Maryland, killing one mother and injuring 13 others including eight children, then fled the scene in a shocking display of reckless disregard for innocent families.
Deadly Impact on Innocent Children
The Saturday evening crash transformed a joyful celebration into a nightmare for families in Bladensburg, Maryland. A sedan driven by a 66-year-old man barreled into an outdoor birthday party held under a tent on a residential lawn. The collision claimed the life of Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez and left 13 others injured, including eight vulnerable children ranging from just one year old to 17.
Breaking: Bladensburg, Md police say 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez of Washington, D.C. was killed in an overnight hit and run at a birthday party — eight children (1-17 years old), and five more adults were hurt. A 66-year-old DC man has reportedly turned himself in. pic.twitter.com/e1XB0SSPFE
— Ben Dennis Reports (@broadcastben_) October 19, 2025
Hit-and-Run Driver Later Surrenders
The driver’s decision to flee the scene on foot immediately after the crash raises serious questions about intent and character. While families frantically sought help for their injured loved ones, the person responsible abandoned the scene, leaving chaos and devastation behind. The driver eventually turned himself in to Bladensburg Police Department later that evening, but the initial flight suggests a concerning disregard for accountability.
Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department responded swiftly to triage the mass casualty event. Multiple victims were transported to area hospitals, with several children remaining in critical condition. The rapid emergency response likely prevented additional fatalities, though families now face lengthy recovery processes and mounting medical expenses from this senseless tragedy.
Community Seeks Justice and Safety Reforms
Bladensburg Police Department continues investigating while consulting with prosecutors about appropriate criminal charges. The incident highlights growing concerns about pedestrian safety in suburban neighborhoods where families regularly gather outdoors. Many residents now question whether additional traffic enforcement or safety barriers are needed to protect children and families from reckless drivers who threaten community gatherings.
Our hearts are broken by the senseless loss of life & injuries, including to children, at a birthday party in Bladensburg, MD. We stand in solidarity with the family of Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez & all victims. We demand a thorough investigation & justice. pic.twitter.com/eEcuqcveUr
— Anti-Persecution Organization (@ANTIOPRESSION3) October 20, 2025
This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of law-abiding families simply trying to celebrate life’s precious moments. The driver’s actions not only destroyed lives but also shattered the sense of safety that should exist in residential neighborhoods. As the investigation proceeds, the community demands full accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents from threatening innocent children and families in the future.
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1 Dead, 13 Injured When Car Crashes Into Maryland Outdoor Birthday Party