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Van crashes into middle school students at Silver Spring bus stop
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Related Topics: SILVER SPRING, Md.
SILVER SPRING, Md. (Map, News) - An out-of-control van slammed into a group of middle schoolers waiting at a school bus stop in Silver Spring Friday, bringing a horrible end to the first week of school.
In all, authorities said 10 students were injured during the accident, which occurred at the 9300 block of Piney Branch Road near the Prince George’s County line just after 7 a.m.
According to Lt. Eric Burnett, director of the Montgomery County Police Public Affairs Division, the driver of the white Ford van was traveling north on Piney Branch between New Hampshire and Carroll avenues when he lost control of his vehicle for an unknown reason.
Witnesses said the van struck the street’s curb as well as a fire hydrant before hitting the children at the bus stop in front of Forest Park Apartments.
Yan Deng, who called 911 after coming upon the scene as she was driving out of the apartment complex, said the immediate aftermath was panicked.
“They were screaming,” she said of the children. “They were hurt really bad.”
Six of the middle schoolers were said to have serious, but not life-threatening injuries. The remaining four had minor scratches, Burnett said.
As of Friday afternoon, three students had already been treated and released, according to Brian Edwards, public information director for Montgomery County schools.
The bus stop is for White Oak Middle School, and all of the children involved in the accident attend White Oak, Edwards said.
He would not reveal the names of those injured, but said one is a sixth-grader, four are seventh-graders and five are eighth-graders; four are girls and six are boys.
Throughout the day Friday, Montgomery school officials sent counselors to White Oak to speak with students and teachers, Edwards said.
School PTA President Carla Calhoun was one of several parents who showed up at the school during lunchtime to support anyone who might be upset.
She told The Examiner that the students did not seem visibly emotional, but “you could tell there was a lot of concern among the students and staff,” and phones were practically ringing off the hook in the offices.
“As a parent, of course as soon as I heard about this, I was very worried,” she said, adding that her daughter normally rides the bus to school. “You’re always concerned when you send your kids off. So you just pray that nothing happens to them.”
The driver of the van was identified as Sebastian Vasquez, 29, of the 8100 block of 15th Avenue in Hyattsville.
“He’s been talking to police,” Burnett said Friday. “But he has not been charged yet.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
dlevitz@dcexaminer.com
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Interested Bistander said:
What happens if you only swim in the shallow part? do you still get in trouble?
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said:
I MISS YOU ADAM KLANK!!!!! A WHOLE LOT!
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Examiner Reader said:
I Miss You Ahmad, Friend, Mentor.
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Examiner Reader said:
Please confirm that this article is correct. A close source to the deceased says findings are that the motorcyclist is not the one who ran the light. An unlicensed ambulance driver was the one who ran the light. If you find these facts to be true please do a follow up article to retract the statement that the motorcyclist was the negligent driver. Thank you.
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Examiner Reader said:
There was no before, there will be no after, there is only the here and now so live well and prosper. And be careful. Peace! out.......................
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James said:
The woman stepped off of a curb into the roadway where she was struck by the car being driven by the 18 year-old. What was the driver of the car supposed to have done? Why would the driver be charged if the woman stepped in front of her vehicle? Get a grip.
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Examiner Reader said:
why wasnt the 18 year old woman who ran over the pedestrian charged? Bet she was a hot blond wearing a short summer skirt!!!
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Examiner Reader said:
Police work is respectable. we must remember however that police are human. that is to say, all police are not respectable. the profession, yes the person, maybe. abuse of authority is one the most awful perversions. this is a case of an officer being killed by another officer. accidental probably. police put their life in jeopardy everyday. sometimes warranted. like any other profession, you need to work smart, unlike other professions, your very life depends upon it. serve and protect. admirable goals. 24 years of age, a very short life. killed pursuing a suspect for reckless driving. yet killed by another reckless driver, his partner. does the means justify the end. you cannot value a life so the answer is no. no job, suspect or goal is worth anyone's life. it is tragic that anyone trying to save a life loses his own in a vain effort. a case of friendly fire. i can not stress enough, police are people too and they need to recognize that point. all men have flaws.
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Examiner Reader said:
so sad that's my teacher's brother!
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Examiner Reader said:
On Wednesday April 18, 2007 my wife and I witnessed an incident that reminded us about the true meaning of each day we are alive. As many of you now know, a six year old boy passed away soon after collapsing at Westminster’s Main Street Mile. Reading about this incident or hearing about it for the first time will affect everyone differently, but I can attest that when you actually witness a child’s death, its impact is far different than just reading it in the newspaper - something I never fully appreciated until April 18th. Reflecting on such dreadfully tragedy, I wanted to share some thoughts. First, as a parent, I believe that kids should become our life, and if they are not, you will someday come to regret it. Second, be there for your kids! And I mean truly BE THERE, because each passing moment may be the last time you have a chance to say ‘I Love you,’ words that should already be a part of your vocabulary. Third, at some point we all have felt guilty about how we have beh
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