K9 Dogs Visit Staff, Kids At Riverdale Elementary After Death Of 2 Students

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — K9 Nola and K9 Dougall from the Calvert County Sheriff's Office, along with K9 Blaze from Prince George's County Fire Department visited each classroom at Riverdale Elementary recently to provide comfort to students and faculty there who are grieving the loss of two students.

"It was an honor to be a part of today's efforts to heal and support the community. Our hearts are with everyone at Riverdale Elementary during this challenging period. We believe in the power of unity and compassion, and today was a testament to that," the fire department shared on its Facebook page.

Police Chief Malik Aziz said at a news conference that Riverdale Elementary School students Shalom Mbah, 10, and Sky Sosa, 5, both of Riverdale, were walking to school with an adult male relative when they were hit by a van attempting to make a left turn onto Riverdale Road Nov. 20. According to police, the female driver of the van was driving southbound on Taylor Road around 8 a.m. when the crash occurred. Police said the children and the man were in a crosswalk at the time of the crash.

Both children were taken to a hospital, where they later died. Police said the man suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The collision prompted the school to hold virtual classes the day after the crash, which remains under investigation. Aziz said once the investigation is complete, the department's findings will be turned over to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine if criminal charges will be filed.