ROCKVILLE, MD — Maryland State Police are investigating a tragic incident involving a hit-and-run and a secondary crash that resulted in the deaths of two teenagers early this morning in Montgomery County. The deceased have been identified as Luis Isaac Bran, 17, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Rebeca Gabriela Vasquez Moreno, 18, from El Salvador.
Both victims were passengers in a 2018 Toyota RAV4 and were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services. The driver of the Toyota, Esperanza Del Carmen Vasquez De Bran, 50, also from Gaithersburg, sustained injuries and was transported to Suburban Hospital. Authorities believe she is the mother of Luis Bran and aunt of Moreno.
The incident occurred just before 5:00 AM on northbound Interstate 270 near Falls Road. A preliminary investigation suggests that a silver 2003 BMW convertible struck the Toyota and fled the scene. Moments later, the Toyota was hit again by a 2015 Ford F-150, whose driver declined medical treatment.
The BMW was later found abandoned on the right shoulder of the road, about half a mile from where the crashes took place. Efforts are underway to identify the BMW’s driver. Police have ruled out alcohol as a factor in the secondary crash. The roads were closed for approximately six hours following the incident, with traffic management facilitated by the Maryland Department of Transportation and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue services attending the scene.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run to contact the Rockville Barrack at 301-424-2101 as the investigation continues.
