Maryland State Police have charged an Upper Marlboro woman in connection with a devastating seven-vehicle crash that left two women dead and five others injured Tuesday afternoon in Prince George’s County.
The victims were identified as Tara Gross, 50, of Camp Springs, and Dandra Byrd, 31, of Riverdale. Both women were in a Mercedes-Benz E 300 and were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
The crash occurred around 1 p.m. on August 19, 2025, along Route 202 at St. Joseph’s Drive. Troopers from the Forestville Barrack responded after multiple 911 calls reported a serious collision involving numerous vehicles.
According to the preliminary investigation, a Honda Accord driven by Tierra Johnson, 28, of Upper Marlboro, was traveling northbound on Route 202 when it struck a curb divider at the intersection and became airborne. Johnson, the only occupant of the Accord, allegedly lost control of the vehicle before it collided with a Toyota Tundra, pushing it into a Dodge Grand Caravan. The Accord then struck four additional passenger vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz carrying Gross and Byrd, before overturning and coming to rest in a nearby ditch.
Emergency crews transported five individuals — including Johnson — to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center for treatment. Others involved either sustained minor injuries or were evaluated at the scene.
Investigators with the Maryland State Police Crash Team believe speed was a major contributing factor. Johnson now faces charges in connection with the crash, pending consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration assisted with road closures, and Prince George’s County Police supported the response.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as they work to determine the full circumstances of the deadly crash.
