Beltway Lanes Reopen After Multi-Vehicle Crash
Three-vehicle collision on Capital Beltway near Pennsylvania Avenue closes all lanes
Capital Beltway Crash Injures 2 in Maryland
Two people were injured Friday morning when three vehicles collided on the Capital Beltway near Pennsylvania Avenue in Prince George's County, Maryland State Police said. The crash happened around 5:10 a.m., prompting a full closure of all lanes while emergency crews responded. Both injured individuals were transported to local hospitals, though officials didn't release details about the severity of their injuries.
Emergency Response and Road Closure
Maryland State Police troopers from the College Park Barrack responded to the scene along with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. The collision involved an Odyssey minivan, a Ford pickup truck, and a Lexus SUV. All lanes of the Capital Beltway were temporarily shut down to allow emergency responders to work safely and clear the accident scene. The full closure created significant delays for early morning commuters traveling through Prince George's County. Officials said the road closure was necessary to ensure responder safety and proper investigation of the crash site.
Investigation Underway
Authorities continue to investigate what caused the three-vehicle collision, though specific details about the crash sequence weren't immediately available. Officials didn't say whether weather, speed, or other factors contributed to the incident. Maryland State Police typically conduct thorough investigations of multi-vehicle crashes on major highways like the Capital Beltway, examining vehicle positions, road conditions, and driver statements. The investigation could take several weeks before officials release findings about what led to the collision.
Lanes Reopened to Traffic
All lanes of the Capital Beltway have since been reopened to traffic following the crash cleanup and initial investigation work. Officials didn't specify exactly when the lanes reopened, but the closure lasted several hours during the Friday morning commute. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration assisted with traffic management and debris removal. Typical crash investigations on major highways require several hours to document the scene, clear wreckage, and ensure the roadway's safe for travel.
Commuter Impact and Updates
The crash and subsequent road closure affected thousands of commuters traveling through Prince George's County during the Friday morning rush. Officials didn't provide estimates of how many vehicles were delayed or how long backups extended. Drivers who regularly use the Capital Beltway near Pennsylvania Avenue should remain alert for potential residual delays as traffic patterns normalize. Moovit provides real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions for Capital Beltway travelers in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
