17 year-old-dead, 2 teens injured after a vehicle collided with light pole in Maryland

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - A fatal vehicle collision left one teen girl dead and two other teens injured in Montgomery County. 

Officers responded to the intersection of Norwood Road and Nesbitt Farm Lane for the report of a serious collision on Wednesday, October 2, around 8 a.m. where according to police, a vehicle collided with a wooden light pole. 

Montgomery County police say a 17-year-old girl, who has since been identified as Sanaa Vil, sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

"Sanaa was an outstanding student who was active in the Black Student Union and a member of our Varsity Girls Basketball team," a letter sent home to Sherwood High School families read. "In moments like these, we are reminded of the importance of leaning on one another for support, empathy, and comfort. Please know that we are here to offer care and resources as we navigate this difficult moment together." 

Two 17-year-old occupants, a boy and a girl were transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The school says they are also seniors and are continuing to receive care at the hospital.

Montgomery County Public School officials have confirmed that the three teens involved in the fatal collision are Sherwood High School students.

"We are saddened by the news and are providing support to students, staff and families affected by this tragic event," Liliana López
Public Information Officer of MCPS said. 

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Neighbors across the street from the crash scene on Norwood Road told FOX 5 they have had complaints about the dangers of the road for decades.

Joy Turner's parents built the home in 1955, and she has lived there ever since.

"Even back then, this was a dangerous road and curve. There have been numerous accidents coming around this curve," she said.

Turner said her heart hurts knowing a teenager lost their life.

"The jaws of life were used, you could see the doors were pulled off, the roof was pulled off. It was terrible. And it's one of those images that lasts for a very long time in your mind," Turner said. "It breaks my heart because somebody isn't going home to their mom, and I'm a mom, it is heartbreaking that this could be mitigated in some way. I am not sure how, but there has to be something that has to be done."

Next door, Ronald Parrott said he was just getting ready for the day when the crash happened.

"I was awakened by a bump - BUMP! And I jumped up and saw the car over there and then the road got crowded. Policemen, the fire department, all that stuff," Parrott said, adding that he has lived in his home since 1968 and has concerns about the curve as well.

As of Wednesday afternoon, it is not clear if speed or slick streets were factors in the crash. MCPD's collision reconstruction unit is investigating. 

According to MDOT and MCDOT, the road is a state highway, but the portion where the crash occurred is maintained by Montgomery County. 

MDOT tells FOX 5 they will conduct a post-crash assessment within two weeks and do not have any record of any fatalities or serious injury crashes in this particular area over the last six years. 

Sherwood High School and MCPS say they are offering support teams of psychologists, social workers and counselors for students and staff throughout the coming days.