Maryland State Police are investigating a tragic two-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday night, Sept. 15, on the Prince George's County Outer Loop of Interstate 495 near Route 50. One person died and four others were hospitalized as a result of the incident. .
The deceased was identified as Lanham resident Ayok Ata, 40. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Prince George's County Fire/EMS officials. Ata was outside his car when the collision occurred.
A 2016 Honda Pilot and a 2018 Mercedes sedan were involved in the collision, which was reported at 8:50 p.m. Based on preliminary findings, it appears that the stationary Mercedes was rear-ended by a Honda Pilot traveling northbound on I-495 when it lost control. The Mercedes stopped on the left shoulder.
Maya Nembo, 24, and Miranda Nembo, 39, were the two passengers in the Mercedes who were taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center in the Capital Region, but were later released. It is not clear exactly what their relationship is with Ata or with each other.
Five male friends from Prince George's County were in the Honda Pilot. Both the 19-year-old driver, Birok Grimes, and the two passengers, 18 and 19 years old, refused medical assistance. Olauwadamilola Fatokun, 18, and a 17-year-old boy were the other occupants who were brought to the Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center for medical treatment.
The circumstances behind the collision are still under investigation.
