Seven-Vehicle Crash Kills Two, Sends Five to Hospital in Largo

Incident Information

Speeding is believed to have played a role in a tragic seven-vehicle crash in Largo, Maryland, on Tuesday that left two women dead and sent five others to the hospital.

According to Maryland State Police, the crash occurred around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Landover Road (Route 202) and St. Joseph Drive. Investigators say a 28-year-old woman from Upper Marlboro was driving a Honda Accord northbound on Landover Road near Woodmore Towne Centre when she struck a curb divider, causing her vehicle to go airborne.

The airborne Accord collided with a Toyota Tundra, which was pushed into a Dodge Grand Caravan, and then continued to crash into four more vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz E300. The Accord eventually flipped and came to rest in a ditch.

Two women in the Mercedes-Benz — identified as 50-year-old Tara Gross of Camp Springs and 31-year-old Dandra Byrd of Riverdale — were pronounced dead at the scene. Gross was the driver and Byrd her passenger.

Five individuals, including the driver of the Accord, were transported by ambulance to UM Capital Region Medical Center. Those hospitalized included a 92-year-old man, an 89-year-old, two 50-year-old men, and the 28-year-old driver. Several others involved in the crash were treated at the scene or were uninjured.

Chopper4 aerial footage captured the aftermath, showing significant wreckage and at least one vehicle overturned.

An investigation is being led by the Maryland State Police Crash Team. Charges are pending the results of the investigation and consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Local drivers have long expressed frustration about speeding and traffic signal timing at the intersection where the crash occurred.

“When you actually get to this intersection, everybody knows that the light to turn in is literally eight seconds long,” one driver said. “So now everybody’s speeding through, and then the light will turn red, but people will chance it because they know they gotta wait another five minutes before it turns [green] again.”

In response to the tragedy, County Council Member Shayla Adams-Stafford announced plans to convene a meeting to discuss potential safety improvements along the corridor.

“My heartfelt prayers are with all who were involved, especially the families who lost loved ones, as well as those who witnessed this devastating event,” Adams-Stafford said in a statement.

Speak With a Maryland Car Accident Attorney Immediately

Your health and safety should always come first after a car accident. Call 911 right away to ensure that emergency responders can assist with any injuries and secure the scene.

Once you’ve received medical attention and are in a safe condition, it’s important to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. A skilled car accident lawyer can help you gather vital evidence, establish negligence, and pursue the compensation you deserve through a claim or lawsuit.

Accidents involving pedestrians can be especially traumatic and legally complex. At Zirkin & Schmerling, our team has extensive experience representing injured pedestrians and holding negligent drivers accountable.

To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, contact at (410) 753-4611 today.