BY REBECCA BENNETT — Updated at 11:02 p.m. Four people are reported to be dead, including one a child, after a crash in the 2600 block of Chillum Road near 21st Place a few blocks away from Queens Chapel Road. The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m.

Photo courtesy Chris Currie.
Photo courtesy Chris Currie.

Authorities called it a mass casualty incident. According to Prince George’s County Fire & Rescue (PGFD), eight adults and four children were transported to area hospitals with a range of life-threatening to non-life-threatening injuries. Four adults and four children are still listed in critical condition.

According to WTOP:

Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue spokesman Mark Brady said a white pickup truck traveling west on Chillum Road struck a Cadillac and continued on its course with one of its tires on fire.

The pickup truck careened down a road and struck a van head-on. The van caught fire after the crash.

The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department responded along with other rescue squads and EMS units. HVFD said three victims were transported via Medevac.

The Hyattsville Life & Times‘ Chris Currie was on scene and said that there were dozens of emergency vehicles with several helicopters in the vicinity. Victims of the accident were transported in ambulances.

PGFD Fire Chief Marc Bashoor said, “Accidents like Chillum Road are difficult for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the injured and deceased.” He thanked all those who responded, including the more than 60 PGFD and Montgomery County Fire personnel on scene.

Authorities are continuing the accident investigation.