PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — Early Wednesday morning, a fatal crash claimed the life of a pedestrian along Route 1 near Montgomery Road in Prince George’s County. Authorities have identified the victim as 55-year-old Julio Bonilla of Beltsville. Maryland State Police confirmed that Bonilla was struck by a vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident occurred around 5:44 a.m., when state troopers received reports of a collision involving a pedestrian. Responding officers found that Bonilla had been hit by a Toyota RAV4 while attempting to cross or walk along the roadway. The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and was not physically injured. Officials have not released details about the circumstances that led to the deadly crash, and investigators are still working to determine the sequence of events.
At this stage, police have not said whether speed, distraction, or other contributing factors played a role. Investigators are expected to review roadway conditions, interview witnesses, and analyze vehicle data to piece together what happened. For now, officials are urging patience as the investigation unfolds, stressing that no final conclusions should be drawn until all facts are verified.
The crash had a significant impact on traffic during the early morning commute. Authorities closed all northbound lanes of U.S. Route 1 at Montgomery Road to allow investigators to process the scene. Southbound lanes remained open, but heavy congestion was reported in the area. Traffic officials directed northbound drivers to detour via Sunnyside Avenue, warning of delays and recommending the use of alternate routes where possible. For several hours, commuters faced backups as police worked to clear the roadway.
For residents and daily travelers of the Beltsville corridor, the incident caused disruption and concern. Route 1 is a heavily traveled thoroughfare, carrying both local and regional traffic, and accidents along this stretch can have a wide-reaching impact. Wednesday’s closure reminded drivers of the vulnerability of pedestrians on major roadways, especially during early morning hours when visibility is limited.
Pedestrian safety remains an ongoing issue in Prince George’s County and across Maryland. According to state data, pedestrian-involved crashes often occur along high-traffic routes with limited crosswalks or lighting. While it is too early to say whether those factors played a role in Bonilla’s death, the tragedy highlights the dangers that exist when cars and pedestrians share busy highways.
As the investigation continues, police have not announced any charges against the driver of the RAV4. Typically, such cases are reviewed thoroughly, and decisions are made once all evidence has been considered. For now, authorities are focused on understanding what led to the fatal collision and ensuring the roadway is safe for the public.
The death of Julio Bonilla marks another loss for the Beltsville community, where residents are mourning the sudden tragedy. Officials are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact Maryland State Police. Meanwhile, drivers in the area are urged to remain cautious, expect delays, and remain alert for pedestrians who may be walking along or attempting to cross major highways.
