SILVER SPRING, Md. — Three people were hospitalized in a crash on the inner loop of the Capital Beltway at Colesville Road in Montgomery County. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but a mix of rain and snow Monday morning made driving conditions hazardous.
According to Pete Piringer, a spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, the crash was first reported around 5:30 a.m. and blocked lanes for several hours due to the crash investigation.
Initially, Piringer said the crash involved a sedan and a tractor trailer. Authorities said two people were trapped as a result of the crash. Those people were pulled from the vehicle and taken to the hospital. In total, three people were hospitalized as a result of the collision, including two with serious injuries. Their current conditions are not known.
As of 6 a.m., three lanes of the inner loop remained blocked by the crash. Traffic officials said rubbernecking delays on the I-495 outer loop begin before the Interstate 95 interchange.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Drivers in the area are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow police direction around the crash scene.
This is a developing story. Stay with WUSA9 for the latest updates as they come in to our newsroom.
If you cannot stay home, AAA suggests drivers always check weather conditions before heading out. Drivers should always travel with a full tank of gas, a fully charged cell phone and wear a seatbelt.
If traffic signals are not working because a power outage, you must stop at the intersection and then proceed when you know other turning and approaching cars, bikes or pedestrians have stopped. Treat a blacked-out traffic signal as a four-way stop intersection.
While driving on black ice, people should proceed slowly and smoothly. AAA says to avoid any sudden acceleration, braking and steering. If you have antilock brakes, use steady pressure - don't pump.
If you get stuck in snow or ice, AAA suggests straightening the wheel and accelerating slowly. Try adding sand, traction mats or cat litter under the drive wheels to avoid spinning tires.
AAA recommends that all drivers make sure they have an emergency kit ready for any winter weather. Items to have in your car include:
- Snow shovel
- Scraper or de-icer
- Extra blankets
- Warm clothing
- Water
- Snacks
- Extra medications.