Multi-Vehicle Crash On Beltway Causes Gas Leak, 10-Mile Backup

BETHESDA, MD — All lanes have reopened after an earlier crash involving two tractor-trailers and an overturned pickup truck caused a fuel leak and a 10-mile backup on the Capital Beltway.

One person was injured in Wednesday morning's crash, which occurred on the Beltway's outer loop just before Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda. Montgomery County fire and police officials said the victim is expected to be OK. It is unclear if the icy road conditions contributed to the crash.

Traffic Advisory - Update - OL I495 Outer Loop 495 before Old Georgetown Rd, EMS transporting 1 adT w/ NLT injuries, involved 2 tractor trailers & 1 overturned pickup truck, some lanes BLOCKED pic.twitter.com/g5367R7cH3
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) January 16, 2019

The multi-vehicle crash caused a gas leak, according to officials. All lanes of the Beltway's outer loop near Old Georgetown Road were blocked shortly after 6 a.m., causing significant delays.

Just before 8:30 a.m., crews were still trying to clean up the fuel leak, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration. Once the leak and debris from the crash were cleaned up, officials slowly started to reopen lanes.

All lanes OPEN - Inner Loop and Outer Loop of beltway. SIGNIFICANT delays particularly on the OL, where you have a 10-mile queue. Use alternate routes where they are available. Many thanks to the women and men who worked in frigid temps since 6am hour to clear this. #mdotnews js
— MD State Highway Adm (@MDSHA) January 16, 2019

As of 9 a.m., all lanes have been reopened. However, officials said motorists should expect significant delays and find an alternative route.

Image via Montgomery County Fire Department