A man died and several children are seriously hurt after cars crashed early Tuesday in Montgomery County, flipping a car and sparking a fire, authorities say.
The violent crash occurred at Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway in Germantown.
The man was confirmed dead on the scene. Seven children were taken to hospitals, with two in critical condition. They range in age from 12 to 15, county police said. Some were not wearing seat belts.
Shiera Goff of Montgomery County police said all of them were not old enough to drive and some were not secure in their seats. All seven children were inside of the white car and some were sitting on others’ laps.
“At this age, they’re not supposed to be driving,” Goff said. “You do not have a license at the age of 15. Right now, I would say, parents, just make sure you know where your children are.”
Police had received a report of someone driving erratically in the area. The person who called in the erratic driving went to the fifth district police station to report it. By the time they got there, the crash already happened.
Dozens of first responders rushed to the crash scene. Five ambulances, five medic units and four engines were seen after the initial call at about 5:30 a.m., Montgomery County fire department spokesperson Pete Piringer said on social media.
Two people trapped inside a vehicle were rescued.
Video shows one car flipped upside down in a bush. The seven children were inside of the upside down white car. Photos from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue show the other car smashed in, with airbags deployed.
When first responders arrived, firefighters put out a small fire on the overturned car, officials said.
The crash is technically considered a mass casualty incident because of the number of patients, Piringer said.
“Why are those kids out driving?” a resident said. “That’s another reason why they need more programs for these kids in the summertime so they can stay occupied and the parents can keep account of where their kids are at.”
Detours and road closures were in place at Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway. Maryland State Highway Administration officials were helping manage the scene. Officials said to seek alternative routes when driving in the area.
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