'Serious Accident' in Germantown Reported

A 48-year-old woman died at Washington Hospital Center from injuries she suffered when her sports utility vehicle ran over her in her driveway, police said.

The Montgomery County Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating the incident, which occurred about 5:30 p.m. Friday on Cog Wheel Way in Germantown.

Police said Gloria Maria Vergara Mansilla of Cog Wheel Way, was driving away from her home on her driveway in a white 2009 Mercedes ML 350.  Mansilla, accompanied by her teenage son, stopped the Mercedes on the inclined portion of the driveway, left the vehicle, and proceeded to its rear cargo area.

Police said Mansilla left the SUV in drive. After she opened the rear cargo door, the vehicle began to travel backward and striking Mansilla.  The vehicle continued down the grade until it came to rest against a fence.

Mansilla was first taken to Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville, then helicoptered to Washington Hospital Center, where she died from her injuries.

Anyone who has information about this collision is asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 301-840-2435.

Patch editor Doug Tallman contributed to this report.