Late Saturday evening in the quiet neighborhood of Bladensburg, Maryland, what was meant to be a joyful outdoor birthday celebration transformed into an unforgettable tragedy. At approximately 10:14 p.m., a vehicle traveling in reverse suddenly veered off the road and crashed into a party tent set up in the front yard of a home near Annapolis Road.
The driver has been identified as Sunday Joseph, age 66, of Washington, D.C. According to investigators, the vehicle reversed at high speed from the 5400 block of Annapolis Road, then backed down 55th Avenue without headlights before plowing through the tent, trapping partygoers beneath the car.
In the aftermath of the impact, chaos engulfed the scene. Neighbors and a patrolling officer responded immediately, lifting the car from some victims to free others who were pinned beneath it. Among those gathered for the celebration was Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, 31, of Washington, D.C., who was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
In total, 14 people were struck—eight of them children between the ages of 1 and 17, and six adults. Most have since been released from hospitals, but as of Monday morning two adults and one child remained under treatment.
Joseph fled the scene on foot after the crash. More than nine hours later, around 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning, he turned himself in. He now faces multiple charges, including criminal negligent manslaughter by vehicle, negligent manslaughter by automobile and failure to remain at the scene of a fatal accident.
Authorities say while the crash appears to have been accidental and not deliberately targeted, the investigation is ongoing. Police are focusing on whether alcohol, excessive speed or a combination of both played roles in the tragedy. Meanwhile, community leaders including Takisha James, the mayor of Bladensburg, have extended heartfelt condolences to the victims, stressing that the town is committed to ensuring accountability and supporting those affected.
In this grieving neighborhood, a gathering meant for laughter and balloons is now a scene of loss and recovery. Families are asking why, and how such an accident could happen in the blink of an eye. As the investigation continues, one thing remains clear: the road back to healing will be long, and the memory of this night will endure.