A rush-hour collision at the edge of Southeast D.C. on Tuesday evening left one man dead and another person injured, authorities said. The two-vehicle crash happened near the intersection of Suitland Road and Southern Avenue SE right around 6 p.m., and emergency crews remained on scene into the night. One person was taken to a nearby hospital, while a second adult male was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police Department said officers arrived at the intersection to find two vehicles involved in the crash. WJLA reported that "One victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of unknown injuries," while "A second victim, an adult male, was pronounced dead on the scene." The station identified reporter Robert Locklear on the story and noted that staff were working to gather more details from police. Officials have not released the names of the victims, and it is not yet clear whether any charges will follow.
Where it happened
AlertDC's city feed reported lane closures on Southern Avenue SE between Pennsylvania Avenue and Forest Glade Lane, and on Suitland Road SE between Alabama and Southern avenues, while first responders worked the crash. Drivers were urged to find other routes as the scene was cleared, according to AlertDC. The intersection sits on the southeastern edge of the District at the border with Prince George's County and is heavily used by commuters and neighborhood traffic.
Investigation and how to help
Fatal collisions in the District are typically handled by MPD's Major Crash Investigations Unit, which collects evidence, interviews witnesses and reconstructs what happened. In previous Suitland Parkway investigations the department has asked anyone with information to call (202) 727-9099 or text tips to 50411, per the Metropolitan Police Department. Authorities in this latest case have not yet released the victims' identities or a cause for the crash.
A spate of recent crashes
This deadly collision follows a string of serious roadway incidents in Southeast this month. WTOP reported a fatal hit-and-run on I-295 on Monday that shut down southbound lanes and brought out the Major Crash Unit, and a Sumner Road hit-and-run earlier this month left a 63-year-old dead. The cases highlight how quickly crashes in this part of the city can turn life-threatening and why investigators regularly appeal for witnesses and video.
WJLA reported that its newsroom is continuing to seek updates from police and will share more details as they are released. Hoodline will monitor official statements and add information as it becomes available.
