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1 Killed, 6 Hurt Crossing Streets
By Clarence Williams and David A. Fahrenthold
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, December 22, 2000

One pedestrian was killed and six others -- three of them children -- were injured during evening rush hour yesterday after they were hit by cars in four separate accidents in the Washington area, police said.

At least nine pedestrians have been killed this month in accidents across the metropolitan area.

Kyoko Matsushima, 30, died last night after she tried to cross Rockville Pike near its intersection with Tuckerman Lane about 5 p.m., said Officer Derek Baliles, a spokesman for the Montgomery County Police Department.

Matsushima was with her husband, apparently in a crosswalk, when she was hit by a 2000 Ford pickup, Baliles said. The driver, along with other drivers and pedestrians, rendered aid immediately after the accident. Matsushima, of the 1000 block of Montrose Avenue in Bethesda, was taken to Suburban Hospital, where she died shortly after 9 p.m.

Police, who said that the driver may have run a red light, were still investigating last night. Matsushima's husband was not struck or injured.

In Prince George's County, a woman and three children -- a 6-year-old boy and two 5-year-old twin boys -- were struck by a 1992 Toyota Tercel as they crossed the 7200 block of Annapolis Road in Landover Hills just after 6 p.m.

The 6-year-old and one of the twins were listed in serious condition at Children's Hospital, and the other boy was listed in good condition. The woman, 22, was treated for a minor foot injury at Washington Hospital Center and released. Their names were not disclosed.

Landover Hills Officer Andrew Gue said the driver of the Toyota Tercel said "she never saw" the four people, who were wearing dark clothing.

"The driver was pretty shaken up and tried to help," he said. The accident is under investigation.

In the District, an unidentified man was in critical condition last night at Washington Hospital Center after he was struck about 5:45 p.m. in the 3200 block of Georgia Avenue NW by a car that left the scene, police said. The man, who was found lying on the ground, had not been identified last night.

Police were looking for a silver or gray compact or midsize car.

In Fairfax County, a man was struck by a car on the Wiehle Avenue overpass near the Dulles Toll Road in Reston just before 6 p.m. He was listed in fair condition at Inova Fairfax Hospital last night.

In Montgomery County, a series of pedestrian accidents this year prompted the county to run broadcast and print advertisements about the dangers pedestrians face. County officials also have moved to increase fines for running red lights.

                                     © 2000 The Washington Post