Two elementary school children in Maryland have been identified after they were fatally struck down by a car while walking to school in Riverdale Park.
The Prince George’s County police department identified the two victims as 5-year-old Sky Sosa and 10-year-old Shalom Mbah, two local residents.
Officers arrived at the tragic scene at 8 a.m. on Monday and provided immediate medical aid to both Sky and Shalom. The two children were critically injured and transported to a local hospital, but sadly died a short time after arrival.
A man related to one of the children was also struck by the vehicle, but his injuries were not life-threatening.
After authorities investigated, police determined that the two children and the man were crossing the street at a crosswalk when a van, driven by a woman, made a left turn and struck them.
In a press conference Tuesday, Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz said, “The investigation is still ongoing and we want to make sure we get to the bottom of what happened to make these two innocent children lose their lives. The driver remained at the scene after the accident and was distraught. She is currently cooperating with us.”
“We at the police department want to send our condolences to the victim’s families and we ask that others stay vigilant and safe,” Aziz added.
The school district superintendent, Millard House II, also spoke at the press conference.
“Our hearts ache as we extend our deepest condolences following this most tragic accident that claimed the lives of two of our beloved Riverdale Elementary School students,” House said. “The entire community, the school system, is grieving, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this unimaginable loss during the pre-Thanksgiving break.”
He also noted that crisis counseling services are being offered to students both in-person and virtually in the wake of the loss.
