Maryland community mourns deaths of two children killed while walking to school

BALTIMORE -- A Prince George's community is mourning after two children were struck and killed by a vehicle Monday morning while walking to an elementary school.

The children - ages 5 and 10 - attended Riverdale Elementary School in Riverdale Park, Maryland.

"Our hearts ache as we extend our deepest condolences following this most tragic accident," said Prince George's County Schools Superintendent Millard House II. 

Officers responded at 8 a.m. to the crash at Riverdale Road and Taylor Road outside Riverdale Elementary School, where 5-year-old Sky Sosa and 10-year-old Shalom Mbah, were struck by a van.

The children were rushed to an area hospital, where they died, police said. A man, who was a relative of the children, was also struck by the vehicle.

Police said a woman in a van was driving south on Taylor Road toward Riverdale Road. She struck the three people when she turned left onto Riverdale Road, police said. She remained at the scene. 

"Families are grieving today," Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz said. "Two families, friends are without their children today in a time that we are gearing up to give thanks."

Riverdale Park Mayor Alan Thompson called the incident a tragedy in a social media post, and said Gov. Wes Moore called him to pass along his condolences to the children's families. 

On Tuesday morning, Aziz told reporters the location of the crash is one of the locations they have been looking to place a crossing guard. The previous long-time guard who had been at the intersection retired over the summer. 

"It has been a challenge for Prince George's County Police Department to hire school crossing guards," Aziz said. "It has been a challenge to bring people on board in this age and post-pandemic age of society that we are living in."

The crash remains under investigation, and no criminal charges have been announced.