Five children, ‘not properly restrained,’ die in Maryland car crash
(Updated: February 10, 2019) — Maryland State Police troopers are investigating the cause of an early morning crash in Bowie, Maryland, on February 2 that took the lives of five children.
The deceased children have been identified as London Dixon, 8, and Paris Dixon, 5, both from Bowie, Md., and Zion Beard, 14, Rickelle Ricks, 6, and Damari Herald, 15, all from Washington, D.C. Each of the deceased was pronounced dead at the scene.
Those injured who survived the crash are identified as Dominique R. Taylor, 32, of Bowie, and Cornell D. Simon, 23, of Oxon Hill. Taylor has been identified as the driver of the vehicle. Two of the children were Taylor’s. Simon is believed to have been a passenger in the right front seat.
Troopers reported that all the vehicle’s occupants were extended family members on their way home.
Shortly before 5:00 a.m. yesterday, the Prince George’s County Fire Department notified the Maryland State Police of a reported vehicle crash on northbound Rt. 301 in the area of Pointer Ridge Drive. Responding troopers found that one vehicle was involved with multiple victims and an extensive crash scene.
The initial call to authorities was attributed to a passerby who saw the wrecked car. All lanes of northbound Rt. 301 were closed to facilitate the rescue operations and subsequent investigation.
The preliminary investigation indicates a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica was northbound on US Rt. 301 in the area of Pointer Ridge Drive. Inside the vehicle were five children and two adults.
For reasons unknown at this time, the preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle traveled off the left side of the road and into the wood line along the highway. Evidence indicates the vehicle struck several trees and then began to spin in the snow-covered field.
All five children were ejected. from the vehicle
Both adults were transported by Prince George’s County Fire Department medic units to UM Prince George’s Hospital Center. They remain there undergoing treatment for injuries.
Police said that weather could have been a factor in contributing to the accident; and that all five children were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to CBS News in Baltimore.
Investigators believe preliminary evidence indicates the driver and front seat passenger were wearing seat belts.
Based on preliminary evidence, investigators do not believe the five children were properly restrained in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The children are believed to have been positioned in the rear seats of the vehicle.
“Every collision where we lose life is a tragedy,” said Maryland State Trooper Capt. Daniel Pickett, according to NBC News. “And where children are involved, it’s more of a tragedy.”
Maryland’s Governor Larry Hogan tweeted his condolences.
The cause of the crash has not been determined at this time. Nothing has been ruled out as a cause or contributing factor. All possibilities are being considered.
Update: A gofundme page has been established to help cover funeral expenses. The memorial statement on the page reads:
Please help support our family as we mourn the lost of our children. These 5 angels were called home on February 2nd due to a tragic car accident. Further information on this story can be researched. However we are asking our family, friends, local supporters and any others for help burying all 5 of these babies. Any donation is appreciated. Thanks in advance and may god be with us all.
For more on this tragic story out of Prince George’s County, see the video accompanying this article.
(Source: Maryland State Police)
~ Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
