Emergency responders in Prince George’s County were called into action late Christmas night after a serious multi-vehicle crash in Accokeek left five people hospitalized, two of whom were trapped inside their vehicles and required rescue by firefighters.
According to the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department, the crash occurred in the 14250 block of Indian Head Highway and involved more than one vehicle. Emergency crews arrived at the scene at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered multiple injured occupants and confirmed that two individuals were trapped inside damaged vehicles, prompting an immediate extrication effort.
Firefighters worked carefully to free the trapped victims, using specialized equipment to safely remove them from the wreckage. Officials later confirmed that all five individuals involved in the crash were transported to area hospitals. Their injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening, and no fatalities were reported. Details regarding the ages of the victims, the cause of the crash, or whether impairment or speed were factors have not yet been released.
The Fire and EMS Department provided an update on the rescue operation roughly two hours later through social media, highlighting the complexity of the response and the successful extrication of the trapped victims. The department noted that the situation required coordinated efforts from multiple units to stabilize the scene, assist the injured, and manage traffic along the busy roadway.
The crash was one of several emergency incidents Prince George’s County firefighters responded to during the overnight hours on Christmas. Earlier in the evening, around 8:30 p.m., crews were dispatched to a townhouse fire in Laurel. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, and no injuries were reported. Later that night, just before midnight, crews responded to a first-floor fire at a home in Lanham. That incident was also brought under control without any reported injuries.
Officials have not provided further information about the circumstances surrounding the Accokeek crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to remind drivers to exercise caution, particularly during holiday periods when traffic patterns can be unpredictable and emergency services are often stretched responding to multiple calls.
Prince George’s County Fire and EMS emphasized the importance of seatbelt use, attentive driving, and patience on the roads, noting that quick response times and coordinated rescue efforts play a critical role in preventing more severe outcomes during serious crashes.
