Vigil Planned For 2 Young Riverdale Students Hit, Killed By Van Before The Holidays

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A vigil will be held Saturday in honor of the two young children hit and killed by a van as they were walking to school Monday.

Shalom Mbah, 10, and Sky Sosa, 5, both of Riverdale, were walking through the neighborhood near Riverdale Elementary School around 8 a.m. when the crash happened. At a press conference Monday, Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz said the students were in a crosswalk and were walking across Riverdale Road when a woman driving a van southbound on Taylor Road made a left turn into the intersection.

A man related to one of the kids also was hit by the vehicle. Police said he suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

In a statement posted on the school district's website, PGCPS Superintendent Millard House said counselors and virtual support would be available to all students.

"Our hearts ache as we extend our deepest condolences following the tragic pedestrian accident that claimed the lives of two Riverdale Elementary School students this morning," House said in a statement posted on the district's website. "The entire community is grieving, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this unimaginable loss during Thanksgiving week."

Riverdale Park Mayor Alan K. Thompson also spoke out about the incident.

"At this time, I ask that all residents join me, the Town Council and staff in prayer for the families experiencing this unimaginable loss and pain," Thompson said in a statement. "We also hold those who witnessed and responded to this horrific accident in our thoughts and prayers."

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks extended condolences to the families involved.

“The unimaginable loss of two innocent children struck and killed by a van while walking to school, has left our community in mourning," Alsobrooks said. "We extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families. During the time of year when many of us come together with family, it is especially heartbreaking that we find ourselves confronting this sorrow. Our hearts ache for these families who are now facing a permanent void during what should be a time of togetherness and Thanksgiving.

The vigil is expected to start at 5 p.m. Saturday at Riverdale Elementary School, reports Fox5DC.

The crash 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. Anyone with footage of the incident or information about the crash should contact investigators at 301-731-4422.

Related:

Police ID 2 Riverdale Elementary Students Hit, Killed By Car

2 Riverdale Park Students Killed In Crash While Walking To School