Two women killed in seven-car crash on Route 202 in Prince George’s County
LANDOVER, MD – A violent seven-vehicle crash in Prince George’s County left two women dead and five others hospitalized Tuesday afternoon, according to Maryland State Police.
The victims were identified as Tara Gross, 50, of Camp Springs, and Dandra Byrd, 31, of Riverdale. Gross was driving a Mercedes-Benz E 300 with Byrd as a passenger when their vehicle was struck. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash happened just after 1 p.m. on August 19 at Route 202 and St. Joseph’s Drive. Investigators say a Honda Accord driven by Tierra Johnson, 28, of Upper Marlboro, hit a curb divider, went airborne, and slammed into multiple vehicles.
The Accord struck a Toyota Tundra, forcing it into a Dodge Grand Caravan, before colliding with four more vehicles, including the Mercedes. The car overturned and came to rest in a ditch near the intersection. Johnson was taken to the hospital along with four other people, while several others were treated at the scene or reported no injuries.
Police said speed is believed to have played a role in the crash. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, which is being led by the Maryland State Police Crash Team.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and Prince George’s County Police assisted with road closures.
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Key Points
- A seven-vehicle crash killed two women and injured five others Tuesday on Route 202 in Landover
- Victims were identified as Tara Gross, 50, and Dandra Byrd, 31, who died at the scene
- Investigators believe speed was a factor; charges against the driver of the Accord are pending