Man Killed and Another Critically Injured in Washington Scooter Hit-and-Run on Whitney Young Bridge

Late-night collision on East Capitol Street bridge leaves one dead as two vehicles flee

A hit-and-run crash involving a scooter on Washington’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Bridge left one man dead and another hospitalized with critical injuries, police said. The crash occurred on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at about 10:03 p.m. on the bridge, which carries East Capitol Street across the Anacostia River.

Investigators said a vehicle traveling westbound in the center lane struck the rear of a scooter also traveling westbound. The scooter was carrying two men. Both riders were thrown from the scooter and ejected into the roadway, police said.

While in the roadway, the passenger was struck by a second vehicle and died at the scene. The driver of the scooter was transported to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Police said both vehicles involved in striking the scooter and the passenger fled without stopping to render aid or identify themselves.

Investigation assigned to Major Crash unit; victim’s name withheld pending notification

The case is being handled by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit. As of the initial police release, the identity of the man who died had not been publicly released, with police citing next-of-kin notification procedures.

Police recorded the incident under case number CCN 24020977 and appealed for public assistance, asking anyone with information to contact authorities or provide tips by text.

Bridge corridor and roadway safety questions remain central as details develop

The Whitney Young Memorial Bridge is a major artery linking neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River with Capitol Hill and downtown via East Capitol Street. The crash description indicates the scooter and at least one vehicle were traveling in a westbound traffic lane at the time of the initial impact, followed by a second strike after the riders were thrown onto the roadway.

Key investigative questions include the sequence of impacts, vehicle descriptions, potential surveillance or witness accounts, and whether impairment, speed, or visibility factors contributed. Police have not publicly identified the makes or models of the vehicles involved in the initial report, nor have they detailed whether any suspects were located.

• Date and time: Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, about 10:03 p.m.

• Location: Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Bridge (East Capitol Street), westbound center lane

• Victims: One man killed at the scene; another hospitalized with critical injuries

• Driver actions alleged by police: Both striking vehicles fled without stopping

Police asked anyone with knowledge of the crash to contact the Metropolitan Police Department or submit information by text tip.

The investigation remains open, and authorities have indicated they are seeking information that could identify the drivers involved and clarify the circumstances leading up to the crash.