Beltway Driver Nearly Impaled By Metal Stake From Roadway Debris

BETHESDA, MD — A woman is in serious but stable condition at a local trauma center after nearly being impaled by road debris Tuesday morning on the Capital Beltway, authorities said.

The incident happened around 6:15 a.m. on the Beltway's outer loop, near Rockville Pike. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer said a metal stake flew through the windshield of her minivan.

The driver was conscious and alert when first responders arrived on the scene, Piringer said. It took crews more than 15 minutes to extricate her from the vehicle, he said.

Aerial footage from NBC Washington shows first responders sawing through the wreckage.

VIDEO: An absolutely terrifying scene on the capital beltway this morning, and every driver's worst nightmare. An object penetrated the windshield of a minivan, through the steering wheel, and impaled the driver. #mdtraffic #BREAKINGNEWS @nbcwashington @First4Traffic pic.twitter.com/DxcCtj90b4
— Brad Freitas (@Chopper4Brad) November 26, 2019

Initially, Piringer said it looked as if the metal stake impaled the driver. But when she got to the hospital, Piringer said it was an "impact injury," The Washington Post reported.

It is not yet known how the debris got onto the roadway. Piringer said Maryland State Police are investigating the incident.

All outer loop lanes reopened before Rockville Pike shortly before 8 a.m., according to WTOP. Traffic delays stretched back almost 10 miles to I-95.