Maryland Drag Race Crash Kills 8 Fans

Car Collides With Crowd Watching Illegal Race On Suburban Road; Passenger Is Killed

(AP)  A car plowed into a crowd that had gathered to watch a drag race on a suburban road early Saturday, killing eight people and injuring at least five, police said.

Seven people died at the scene. Police say the eighth died at a hospital.

A witness said two cars in the illegal street race sped past just before a car without its lights on came up behind the crowd of about 50.

"There were just bodies everywhere; it was horrible," said Crystal Gaines, 27, whose father was among the dead.

Gaines said she grabbed her child but could not help her father, William Gaines Sr., 61.

"He wasn't breathing, he wasn't moving," she said. "His body was in pieces."

A white sedan hit people standing on the side of Route 210 around 3:40 a.m., Prince George's County Police Cpl. Clinton Copeland said, but it was not clear whether that was one of the cars involved in the race. A tractor-trailer that came by shortly afterward may also have struck someone on the road as it tried to avoid the crash, he said.

"It's probably one of the worst scenes I've seen," Copeland said. "This is a situation that could have been avoided, and it's a very tragic situation."

Residents who live near the Maryland highway where eight street-racing fans were killed have long complained about reckless driving and street racing, a local community leader said Sunday.

Street racing has been a known problem for 20 or more years on the highway, also known as Route 210, said Stan Fetter, president of the Indian Head Highway Area Action Council.

The council also discussed the problem of reckless driving with Melvin High, Prince George's County's police chief, Fetter said.

Prince George's County police released the names of six victims Sunday. They are Mark Courtney, 33, of Leonardtown; Daryl Wills, 38, of Clinton; Maycol Lopez, 20, of Gaithersburg; Blaine Briscoe, 49, of La Plata; William Gaines, 61, of Nanjemoy; and Craig Simms, 37, also of Nanjemoy.

The identities of the other two have not yet been confirmed, Cpl. Arvel Lewis said. Two of the injured are in serious condition, but Lewis said he did not have updates on the others.

Police are still hoping to interview more witnesses and are urging anyone who was at the scene to come forward. But they are not actively looking for the drivers who were taking part in the illegal race because they were not directly involved in the crash, Lewis said.

"I'm sorry this had to happen -- for somebody to be driving a car so fast and not think to hit the brakes," Gaines said.

Hours after the accident on the divided highway in Accokeek, bodies covered in white sheets were scattered along what police were calling a 200-yard crime scene. Some were in the road, while others were on the shoulder.

The sedan came to a rest on an embankment about 150 feet from where the crowd had been. It had a crumpled front and hood, and the roof had partially collapsed.

The driver of the white sedan had been interviewed and did not appear to be seriously hurt, but a passenger was among the dead, Police Capt. Donald Frick said.

Authorities were working to identify the victims by showing digital photos of them to bystanders who said loved ones had been hurt. John Courtney said after viewing one of the images that his brother, Mark, 33, was among the dead.

"He liked going to the race track, watching races," Courtney said. "It's going to take a toll on my family for a long time."

Investigators had "more questions than answers," Copeland said.

Route 210 has two lanes in each direction and traffic lights about every 150 to 200 yards in Accokeek, about 20 miles south of Washington. In that area, the road is flanked by some businesses but has little traffic in the early hours, Copeland said.

Frick said it's common in the summer for police to deal with reports of motorcycles racing on the highway, which is relatively smooth with long straightaways, but he said they have not had as much of an issue with cars.

Marion Neal feared her brother also was among the dead and was awaiting images from the police.

It's a tragedy," she said. "I don't like racing, but that was his hobby."

[saftgek]

No tears lost her re: Maryland drag race fatalities, except - perhaps - the survivors of the dumb dead.

While embracing life to be lived, I am not surprised when multiple fatalities like this occur during criminal acts. The emotionally and psychologically stunted who engage in these acts - despicable as they are - should be prepared for such "disasters."

This group of silly-a.s.s.e.d. people fall into the same cluster of those who engage in thrill "sports" (though I have never legitimized any of the activities as sports). They deserve what they bring upon themselves. Insurance should not cover any untoward events that occur to a thrill-seeker.

Perhaps these deaths, and those like them, are God''s method of thinning out the herd?

[linfinster]

"It''s always fun until someone looses an eye!"

[linfinster]

Oooh saftgek ...WHY must one blame God for the stupidity of people''s actions?? Why would God chose between all those there the 7 that died? ?? His point will be appropriately made at His appointed time. And no sooner! It''s silly to think he chooses one over the others, really. "....time and unforeseen occurrence befall us all" Ecclesiastes 9:11 read the whole verse. It will help you realize that God doesn''t do this kind of thing.

[lynne_m1]

Stupidity strikes everywhere!

[olebd]

This happened at 3:4o in the morning and there was a crowd of people of all ages there? How desperate were these people for entertainment? Go to a race track!

[rowdytexan2]

Sincere condolences to all these families.

[mcv57]

What the heck, talk about false allegations. It was not because of the drag-stripping that kill these people. It the idiot who drive into the spectators. CBS needs to start paying for professional staff.

[tmfv757]

To all the people that are saying that it was stupid for people to be there. But it happens and one of my friends was killed in this accident, so maybe think how their loved ones are going to feel when they read the stupid comments you guys leave on here.

[candide777]

"It''s always fun until someone loses an eye!"
Posted by linfinster at 10:50 AM : Feb 16, 2008

LMAO -- my sincere sympathy to the families, but I can''t help thinking that as a society, we are better off. Score one for Darwin.

[terric00k]

I''m truly sorry for your losses.

[grammawhamma]

"Gaines said she grabbed her child"

At 3:40 AM she had her child out to watch a drag race? At least it wasn''t a school night (that is if the child was even old enough for school).

[complexities]

Some of you people scare the hell out of me. Some of you make me absolutely sick. I cannot even fathom how any human being can actually take PLEASURE in the death of others.

To the victims, their families and loved ones, my deepest condolences. The pain and horror of what happened is beyond my comprehension. I am so very sorry for your loss.

[candide777]

I cannot even fathom how any human being can actually take PLEASURE in the death of others.
Posted by Complexities at 02:05 PM : Feb 16, 2008

I certainly do not take pleasure in their deaths, but do you know what kind of menaces these out of control young adults are to society? I blame republicans, but most of these menaces have no respect at all for the rights of others, no concern for the safety of others and are, for the most part, beyond help. I think the sentiment expressed here is better it was them than an innocent bystander, which it could very well be the next time.

[notso9]

To candide777:
What drugs are you on? It WAS the innocent bystanders who were killed. And what do the republicans have to do with it? Sad outcome due to a lack of good judgement. My prayers go out to the friends and families of the victims.

[b-easy63]

He liked going to the race track, watching races," Courtney said. "It''s going to take a toll on my family for a long time."


But he WASN''T at a race track. He was a viewer of an illegal act and he got caught up in it. accidents do happen at established and regulated tracks, but they are hindered by special high walls, banked track and fire retardant and for some races, caging. Nothing on a street to protect bystanders from being hurt. You get what you pay for. The bystanders were part and parcel to the event by participating as on lookers, perhaps even egging people on or entering bets--so they also reap the fallout. This was an unnecessary tragedy--but no one there, should even think about suing or complaining about the outcome--it could have been much worse and they had no business being there or deeming an illegal act as entertainment. As for those who think the remarks are inappropriate--too bad--the families SHOULD feel bad--not only for the loss of their loved one--but for being related to such an Darwin award winning loser.

[b-easy63]

Sad outcome due to a lack of good judgement. My prayers go out to the friends and families of the victims.

Posted by notso9 at 03:10 PM : Feb 16, 2008

YOu got that right--and now thanks to the theory of natural selection and the culling of the herd of the most stupid and detrimental--at least a few more have been weeded out. That''s the reason America is going to hell in a handbasket now--too many people who lack good judgement allowed to vote and take up space.

[snaponjunky1]

I LOVE DRAG RACING ... BUT KEEP IT ON THE TRACK SO THINGS LIKE THIS WONT HAPPEN... GIVE`S HOT RODDER A BAD NAME... AND WHAT DO THE REPUBLICAINS HAVE TO DO WITH THIS ... THAT THE LEFT FOR YOU..

[b-easy63]

WHY must one blame God for the stupidity of people''''s actions?? Why would God chose between all those there the 7 that died? ?? His point will be appropriately made at His appointed time. And no sooner! It''''s silly to think he chooses one over the others, really. "....time and unforeseen occurrence befall us all" Ecclesiastes 9:11 read the whole verse. It will help you realize that God doesn''''t do this kind of thing.

Posted by linfinster at 11:02 AM : Feb 16, 2008


You must not read the bible much. God DOES choose individuals to reward or punish to make a point. From having a certain person told lies and then killed to humliating a king and allowing his family to be Destroyed, the bible is full of God taking a look at certain individuals and making a point out of them and their existence.

as for the appointed time--looks like it was around 3 in the morning for these individuals because they certainly would not have left this earth if God was not ready for them to. LOL

[missut2]

While the loss of so many lives is staggering and horrible, these people were all breaking the law...the drivers of the cars, any passengers they may have had in their cars, and the crowd that gathered at 3:40 AM to watch illegal racing. You just have to question the actions of a 61 yr old man and his 27 yr old daughter putting a child in that situation. My condolences to the families and friends of those that lost their lives. I hope a valuable lesson has been learned...it seems to me that only questions remain. I''m so sorry...

[notso9]

God does not cause evil. It is the lack of God that allows evil and harm to come. Did God allow good christians to die? Heaven is always in need of more angels to watch over us. Only He knows the exact time and date we will go to be with him. A tragedy for all involved. Stop blaming God and start Accepting him. Our country is in desperate NEED of God!

[prairiefox1]

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A ACCIDENT!
IT IS PREMEDITATED CARELESSNESS!

[sandy19731]

CNN reported that the white car was not involved in the race and came upon the recent drag race and the driver couldn''t see because of the tire smoke from the drag racers. Apparently the driver and his unfortunate passenger (deceased)were entirely innocent.
And, I agree with Grammawamma what is someone doing out with their child watching an illegal drag race in the early morning hours? For heavens'' sake.

[irliberal]

Darwin at work. Nothing to see here. Move on.

[notso9]

Turns out the deceased in the car was not a passenger but a victim who was standing the middle of a dark highway at 3:40 am. Go figure.

[truthseekerx]

All of these people deserve the Darwin award for absolute stupidity. Normal people are safe in their homes/beds at 3:40am Not out watching dangerous illigal activities. And this woman with a child should be charged with child endangerment. Whats really sad (and scary) is that these people breed & vote. Maybe the survivors will get a life.

[chimerical-2009]

This is very sad on so many levels. My first thought was ''What are people doing at 3:40 a.m. watching illegal drag racing?'' Kids! My first reaction. Then I read that most of the people there were in their 20s-60s? As I read on about the daughter of the man killed who is 27 who had to grab her child to get out of the way???? What is going on in that town? Eyewitnesses said the owner of the car that plowed into the crowd didn''t have its lights on. The account states that the drivers were doing burn-outs, raising smoke, etc. Could it possibly be that the driver of the car DID have his/her lights on, but with all of the smoke, people assumed that he didn''t? My condolences to everyone involved. However, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED!

[chimerical-2009]

This is very sad on so many levels. My first thought was ''What are people doing at 3:40 a.m. watching illegal drag racing?'' Kids! My first reaction. Then I read that most of the people there were in their 20s-60s? As I read on about the daughter of the man killed who is 27 who had to grab her child to get out of the way???? What is going on in that town? Eyewitnesses said the owner of the car that plowed into the crowd didn''t have its lights on. The account states that the drivers were doing burn-outs, raising smoke, etc. Could it possibly be that the driver of the car DID have his/her lights on, but with all of the smoke, people assumed that he didn''t? My condolences to everyone involved. However, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED!

[grammawhamma]

The saddest thing is that this child must have wittnessed the death of its grandfather who''s body was described as being in pieces.

[mainemade]

Nothing "good" happens after midnight!

[tpeks40]

Some "Hobby"!, what else did he do for fun, play Russian Roulette?

[spyderko]

Wow, that should be illegal! Ban handguns! Oops, wrong story, ban everything and sit inside and read poetry. Chant for peace. Give away all of your belongings, it''s wrong you have so much while others have nothing. Open the borders and give money to non tax paying citizens. Adopt a dog. Have an abortion. Legalize drugs. Healthcare for everyone. Legalize gay marriage. There, is everything covered here?

[kmd2008-2009]

To Candide777 "I blame republicans, but most of these menaces have no respect at all for the rights of others"

Are you an idiot? Perhaps research is in order here: Maryland is a democratic state!!!

And just a piece of infor: I am live in Accokeek we have a track about 1/2 an hour away... its open to the public on Friday nights for drag racing!!!

[spyderko]

"Perhaps these deaths, and those like them, are God''''s method of thinning out the herd?"



Is that like people with aids?

[billpl-2009]

"Oooh saftgek ...WHY must one blame God for the stupidity of people''''s actions?? Why would God chose between all those there the 7 that died? ?? His point will be appropriately made at His appointed time. And no sooner! It''''s silly to think he chooses one over the others, really. "....time and unforeseen occurrence befall us all" Ecclesiastes 9:11 read the whole verse. It will help you realize that God doesn''''t do this kind of thing."
Posted by linfinster

Who said anything about your God?

Bible holds a monopoly on God?

[candide777]

Are you an idiot? Perhaps research is in order here: Maryland is a democratic state!!!
Posted by kmd2008 at 05:22 PM : Feb 16, 2008

No, but you most assuredly are an idiot. Poverty is a national problem that has been caused by the greed of every republican and many democratic politicians. It is the reason we have two Americas, one where spoiled lazy rich kids who don''t know what an honest''s days work is are partying and doing drugs in luxurious hotel rooms paid for my mom and dad, and poor uneducated kids are out on the streets trying to stir up some fun like these kids were. I''m not saying every kid there was poor, but I promise you, it was the poor kids with nothing to lose who made this fun possible.

As for republicans, they wouldn''t level the playing field and give poor kids in this country half a chance if Jesus H. Christ himself stood before congress and demanded it. They''d sooner crucify him.

[candide777]

To candide777:
What drugs are you on? It WAS the innocent bystanders who were killed.
Posted by notso9 at 03:10 PM : Feb 16, 2008

Apparently, the drugs I''m on don''t make me nearly as incoherent as the drugs you are on make you. There are no "innocent" bystanders at an inherently dangerous and illegal drag race at 3 in the morning. Get a clue.

[valentin73]

THIS IS NATURE''S WAY OF SAYING:

DRAG RACING IS DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TO ALL WHO SUPPORT IT AND ENJOY IT: YOU''RE ONE OF THESE ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN.

[grammawhamma]

sbbm: That was my point...that due to the stupidity of adults this kid will forever be scarred from watching his/her grandfather being killed.

[lynne_m1]

Stupid Stupid Stupid, no other words are needed.

[barbaraf4]

Carnage from this type of sport is self-limiting. Eventually they will all be dead.

Having said that, my prayers are with the innocent bystanders who were either killed, injured or forced to watch as loved ones were killed or injured.

[lynne_m1]

At 3:40 in the morning I am safely in my bed and I would NEVER take a child out at this time to watch an illegal act!

[candide777]

Let''''s just do the blog a favor and leave affiliation out of it for ONCE and blame stupidity for exactly what it is!
Posted by sbbm at 06:01 PM : Feb 16, 2008

Sorry you''re incapable of grasping the larger consequences of what our politicians are doing. You are apparently part of the problem.

By the way, ever notice how many liquor stores there are in poor neighborhoods? Is that merely because poor people have gene that draws them to alcohol? Which do you think came first, the alcohol or the poverty? Puzzling, certainly our politicians shouldn''t struggle with this conundrum. I mean, after all, they are not the ones selling the liquor, pouring the liquor, or telling poor people to drink up, so there is certainly nothing they could ever possibly do to address an issue like that.

I swear, with all the blind stupidity of conservatives in this country, it''s a wonder we don''t have more problems.

[lynne_m1]

Soooo the politicians said to have this ILLEGAL RACE LOLOLOL

[lynne_m1]

By the way, ever notice how many liquor stores there are in poor neighborhoods? Is that merely because poor people have gene that draws them to alcohol? Which do you think came first, the alcohol or the poverty? Puzzling, certainly our politicians shouldn''''t struggle with this conundrum. I mean, after all, they are not the ones selling the liquor, pouring the liquor, or telling poor people to drink up, so there is certainly nothing they could ever possibly do to address an issue like that.


What may I ask has this got to do with the story at hand????

[rowdytexan2]

Nobody deserves to die like this, but I have to agree that being out at 3:40 am with your children to watch a drag race is certainly questionable judgment.

I remember as a young person going to drag races, but they were sponsored events on private land and the spectators were always behind the starting line.

I didn''t even know drag racing was still a particular thrill...maybe I''m just getting old.

[pakaal]

Here in Hawaii we''re seeing more and more pedestrians killed because drivers refuse to slow down, rush through lights, street race, etc. I''ve personally witnessed three people in the last six months get hit. Every time I pray it''s the last.

The worst part is it''s usually older folks who are killed. Lack of respect for other humans and lack of personal responsibility are the basic problems here, although some laws with teeth might help - how about taking away someone''s license permanently for street racing? Anyone who endangers others to have fun probably shouldn''t be allowed the privilege of driving at all.

[offtheback]

Eyewitnesses said the owner of the car that plowed into the crowd didn''''t have its lights on. The account states that the drivers were doing burn-outs, raising smoke, etc. Could it possibly be that the driver of the car DID have his/her lights on, but with all of the smoke, people assumed that he didn''''t? My condolences to everyone involved. However, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED!

Posted by chimerical

I dunno, when I encounter a fog bank or smoke on the roadway I slow down to sa safe speed or stop if I can''t see. This vehicle was doing 50 when he hit the spectators. The driver should be charged with felony vehicular homocide.

[offtheback]

Nothing "good" happens after midnight!

Posted by mainemade

Odds are you were concieved after midnight.

[offtheback]

Then WHY didn''''t they USE the legal track that''''s available and open to the public for drag racing instead of placing others in harms way??

The morons standing beside/ in the road placed themselves in harms way, and some paid for it. When you place yourself near 3000 pounds of steel glass and gasoline traveling at a high rate of speed under the controll of a most likely impaired person with no protection what the heck do you expect to happen?

[offtheback]

In the back seat of a car! LOLOLOL JUST KIDDING!!!!

At Friday night grudge match races.