A festive Saturday evening turned to tragedy in Bladensburg, a suburb outside Washington, D.C., when a hit-and-run driver crashed into a tented birthday party, killing one woman and injuring 13 others, according to local authorities.
The horrific incident occurred around 10 p.m. Saturday. Bladensburg Police confirmed the crash took place on the lawn of a home where the party was being held. Photos from the scene show a white sedan smashed into the party tent.
Victims Identified and Injuries Detailed
The woman killed in the crash has been identified as Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, 31, of Washington.
In addition to the fatality, a total of 13 people were injured, including eight children and six adults. The young victims ranged in age from a 1-year-old toddler to a 17-year-old. As of Sunday, authorities reported that at least three adults and one child remained hospitalized.
Driver Flees and Later Surrenders
Police confirmed that the 66-year-old driver initially fled the scene on foot immediately following the crash. However, the man later turned himself in to authorities.
As of the latest update, charges have not yet been filed against the driver. The incident remains under active investigation by the Bladensburg Police Department.
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