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Detectives Investigate Fatal Collision in Fairland

For Immediate Release: Monday, July 12, 2021

Gaithersburg, MD - Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) are investigating a fatal collision that occurred early this morning in Fairland.

Today, Monday, July 12, at approximately 1:46 am., 3rd District officers and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the area of Fairland Road near Serpentine Way for the report of a serious collision that had just occurred.

Preliminary investigation has determined that a 2007 Honda Accord was traveling west on Fairland Road approaching Serpentine Way.  A 2004 Chevrolet Express work van was also traveling west on Fairland Road and attempted to pass the Accord in a no-passing zone.  While attempting to pass, the Express van struck the Accord.  The Express van lost control, struck a road sign, struck a curb, struck several trees and then rolled over.  The individual believed to be the driver of the Express van was ejected from the vehicle.  Detectives are investigating speed and alcohol use by the driver of the Express van as contributing factors in this collision.

The individual believed to be the driver of the Chevrolet Express van was pronounced deceased at the scene.  He is identified as Edwin Marcial Bonilla Sanchez, age 40, of Silver Spring.  

A 37-year-old male who is believed to be a passenger in the Express van was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.   

The driver of the Accord, identified as 21-year-old Robentz Timogene of Silver Spring, was not injured in the collision.  

The Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) continues to investigate this collision.  Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact CRU detectives at 240-773-6620.   

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Release ID: 21-260
Media Contact: RLG 
Categories: fatal-collision