2 Killed, 5 Hurt When Car Goes Airborne In Route 202 Crash

LARGO, MD — Two women are dead and five people were injured in a seven-vehicle crash that happened Tuesday afternoon. Maryland State Police said a Honda Accord went airborne, crashing into six vehicles.

Around 1 p.m. Aug. 19, state troopers were called to Route 202 at St. Joseph's Drive for a multi-vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, a Honda Accord driven by Tierra Johnson, 28, of Upper Marlboro, was northbound on Route 202 when it hit a curb divider at St. Joseph’s Drive and became airborne.

Johnson was the only person in the vehicle, according to police.

The Accord then hit a Toyota Tundra, pushing it into a Dodge Grand Caravan before heading north and hitting four more vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz E 300.

Tara Gross, 50, of Camp Springs was driving the Mercedes-Benz and was killed, as was her passenger, Dandra Byrd, 31, of Riverdale, police said.

The Accord then overturned and came to rest in a ditch near the intersection. Five people, including Johnson, were taken by ambulance to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center for treatment. The others were treated at the scene or reported no injuries.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation and believe speed was a contributing factor. Charges are pending, based on the outcome of the investigation and in consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Prince George’s County.