1 Dead, Several Kids Hospitalized After Germantown Crash

Updated 11:45 a.m.

GERMANTOWN, MD — One person is dead and multiple children were hospitalized early Tuesday after a two-car collision in Germantown.

The crash occurred near the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway, and was reported by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service around 5:30 a.m.

Montgomery County Police said one man was pronounced dead at the scene and seven other children riding in a second car were hospitalized.

Authorities said the children, aged between 12 and 15, suffered "varying injuries." Two were listed in critical condition.

NBC Washington reported that police had received reports of a person driving erratically in the area prior to the crash. The outlet also reported that some of the injured children were not wearing seat belts at the time.

MCPD spokesperson Shiera Goff told 7News that there was no adult in the car carrying the children.

"None of them were licensed at the age of 15. No one is of age to be driving a vehicle," she said. "This happened at 5 a.m. Know where your children are."

MCFRS said dozens of first responders were deployed to the scene, including five ambulances, five medical units, four engines and three extrication units, among other officials.

Officials added that emergency crews had extinguished flames that emerged from the overturned vehicle.

Drivers are urged to take alternative routes.

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.