5 Killed In Church Van Crash

UPDATE: 11-17-15

Tragic Car Accident In Maryland Involving A Church Van That Left Five Dead Including One Child And An Unborn Baby.

On November 8, 2015, shortly before 5:00 pm, patrol officers were called to the 2100 block of Chillum Road, Hyattsville, MD for the report of the crash involving a pickup truck and a van from a church in Riverdale. The van was carrying 16 people. The driver of the pickup truck and three occupants of the van were pronounced dead on the scene. A pregnant woman in the van who suffered serious injuries had to have emergency surgery and lost the baby.

The pickup truck had been involved in a hit-and-run crash with a car in the westbound lanes of Chillum Road. The truck’s driver didn’t stop and instead fled the crash scene. Moments later, he lost control of the truck, crossed the double yellow line and struck the church van which had been heading eastbound on Chillum Road. After colliding with the van, the truck burst into flames.

The driver of the rear-ended car suffered minor injuries. The 13 other occupants in the van were rushed to various hospitals for treatment. The victims range in age from eight months old to mid seventies. Their conditions range from serious to critical.

I am Pastor Jose from Iglesia Ministerio De Dios Unido Church and we are asking for the support from the community to assist these many families is these very difficult times. The struggles and issues these families are facing are larger than our 45 person Parrish can financial support. We ask for your prayers first and foremost and any financial assistance you can provide. All monies will go directly to support these four families who are desperately in need.

Family 1:
Husband and Wife seriously injured in crash along with son and daughter. The wife lost her unborn baby (term) that evening also. 
UPDATE: The son (Junior) is home and recovering as his Aunt takes care of  him.  The daughter (Diana 6yrs old) remains in the hospital and is out of the coma. She is progressing as she holds on to her teddy bear. Both parents still remain in the hospital recovering from their injuries. 

Family 2:
Mother seriously injured along with her 6 month old daughter who has severe burns and other trauma. She also lost her 6 year old daughter in crash. She has 3 other small children who were not in the crash and are being cared for my friends and family. 
UPDATE: On 11/13/15 6 month old Keila came home from the hospital but has a long road ahead of her as she recovers from the facial burns. The mother (Sandra) was also released on 11/13/15 from the hospital and was finally able to see her kids since the accident. She is recovering from a severely broken leg and serious neck and back injuries. 

Family 3:
Single mother seriously injured with 2 other small children seriously injured in the crash. She has a 17 year old son who was not in the crash and is being cared for by friends and family. 
UPDATE:  The mother (Janet) is still in serious condition at the hospital. Her son (Marcos 7 years old) is now home recovering from his injuries and is being cared for by his older brother. The daughter (Jacquelin 9 years old) is still in the hospital with broken legs and arms. Janet's parents were also in the accident. Her father (Jose) is still in the hospital recovering from numerous facial fractures and a broken leg. Her mother (Emilia) is also still in the hospital recovering from a broken back. 

Family 4:
Single mother seriously injured with her 4 year old daughter in crash. The 4 year old is now home and being cared for by family. The mother is still in critical condition at the hospital. She also has two other children who were not in the crash and are also being cared for by family.
UPDATE: The daughter (Aurora) is still unable to walk and is home with family. The mother (Marisol) is still in the hospital in serious condition. 

Many thanks to the PGPD police  squad who handled this accident. They payed a special visit to all the kids in the hospital and home and brought them teddy bears and smiles!!  

Any questions please feel free to contact me at Iglesia Ministerio de Dios unido you can contact me at 6410 Kenilworth Ave, Riverdale, MD 20737. 
Thanks - Pastor Jose Santos-Jimenez

Thanks you all for your generousity and all funds will go to help the families with medical expenses, bills, and getting them through these tough times and the holidays.