A local family is in mourning after five children were killed in a car crash Saturday in Bowie, Maryland.
Ranging in age from 5 to 15, two sets of siblings died in the single-car crash on Route 301.
Sisters London Dixon, 8, and Paris Dixon, 5 were killed along with their cousins, Zion Beard, 14, Rickelle Ricks, 6, and Damari Herald, 15.
The Dixon sisters' mother was behind the wheel when the SUV crashed at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday. She survived, along with a man, who was in critical condition.
Deeply saddened by this tragic auto accident in Prince George County. Praying for everyone involved, including first responders. https://t.co/Mg2JSabepx
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) February 2, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the five children killed, and the two adults being treated for their injuries, following a tragic accident on Route 301 early this morning. PGPD is assisting @MDSP as they thoroughly investigate this incident.
— Angela Alsobrooks (@CEXAlsobrooks) February 2, 2019
Family members of the children went to the scene on Monday to see where the five young lives came to a tragic end.
"I'm just heartbroken. I just don't even know what to say," said Sharon Burton, who lost her 6-year-old granddaughter.
James Lloyd lost his granddaughter. He said the unspeakable loss was a reminder for families to stay close.
"That's the only sense I can get out of it — here today and gone tomorrow," he said.
The crash scene off Route 301 near Pointer Ridge Drive looked like a debris field on Monday, strewn with car parts and a child's car seat. Someone had laid out five small candles.
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Grief counselors were helping students on Monday at Northview Elementary School, which the Dixon sisters attended.
Police are working to determine the cause of the crash. They said it appears that all five children were riding in the backseat and that the Chrysler Pacifica had only one row of seats in the rear.
