LANHAM, MD — A 40-year-old Lanham man was killed while standing outside his vehicle that was parked on the left shoulder of I-495. Seven others were injured in the two-vehicle collision.
Maryland State Patrol troopers from the Forestville Barrack were alerted Sept. 15 around 8:50 p.m. to a crash involving a 2016 Honda Pilot and a 2018 Mercedes sedan on the Outer Loop of Interstate 495 at Route 50 in Lanham. According to a preliminary investigation, the Honda was traveling north on I-495 when it lost control and rear-ended the Mercedes, according to Maryland State Police.
At the time of the crash, the Mercedes was stopped on the left shoulder, and the driver, Ayuk Etta, 40, of Lanham, was standing outside the vehicle. The passengers in the Mercedes—Miranda, 39, and Mayah, 24, Nembo—both from Prince George’s County, were treated at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center and released. Their relationship with each other is currently unknown. Etta was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Honda was occupied by five friends from Prince George’s County. The driver, Biruk Grimes, 19, and two passengers, aged 18 and 19, refused medical treatment at the scene. The remaining occupants, 18-year-old Olauwadamilola Fatokun, and a 17-year-old, were taken to Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center for treatment.
Police believe excessive speed contributed to the crash. Once the investigation is completed, the Prince George’s State’s Attorney’s Office will determine if charges are warranted. The road was closed for approximately six hours.