A 65-year-old Hyattsville woman died Monday morning after being struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Upshur Street in Bladensburg, according to police. Maria Hilda Flores succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash, which happened around 7 a.m. as officers responded to the pedestrian collision.
According to DC News Now, the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Police said it was unclear whether the driver would face charges as the investigation into the deadly crash continued.
Police Investigate Crash
Police investigated the crash near Upshur Street, while the investigation into the deadly collision continued.
Under Maryland Transportation Code § 21-502, drivers are required to come to a complete stop for pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, though the law also bars pedestrians from suddenly stepping off a curb into oncoming traffic when a vehicle cannot safely yield, per Justia Law. Whether Flores was crossing within a marked crosswalk, and whether speed, sightlines, or driver distraction played any role, remains part of the ongoing investigation.
The driver stayed at the scene and was cooperating with investigators, while it remained unclear whether charges would be filed.
The Crash Site
The intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Upshur Street is in Bladensburg.
Baltimore Avenue runs through Bladensburg. The crash occurred along the corridor.
Continuing Pedestrian-Safety Concerns
Flores's death follows the death of Tamica Wilson, who was struck crossing MD 704 in Landover under circumstances where the driver also stayed at the scene and cooperated.
Traffic fatalities remain a concern in Prince George's County.
The fatal crash underscored continuing pedestrian-safety concerns.
Police are asking anyone with information about Monday's crash to contact the Bladensburg Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 301-864-6080. The investigation remains open as reconstruction specialists work to determine what led to Flores's death.
