Multiple People Evaluated After I-495 Crash Causes Hazardous Spill, Traffic Jam

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A crash that involved multiple vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, on Interstate 495 saw various travelers evaluated by first responders on Monday as officials sought to contain a fuel spill.

Pete Piringer, a spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, said in a post that the collision occurred near Exit 29 on the inner loop of the I-495 Beltway, between University Boulevard and New Hampshire Avenue.

At the scene, first responders evaluated about 20 people. Piringer said that only two or three individuals were likely to be hospitalized.

The fuel spill was described as being "significant," stretching about 800 feet.

Preliminary findings suggest the tractor-trailer had a mechanical issue that prompted a domino effect, first the fuel spill and then collisions involving about a dozen cars, according to Piringer.

Traffic footage provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation shows the incident caused a mileslong traffic backup during the peak of the afternoon commute.

Piringer estimated the traffic jam extends some 6 miles from the crash site. At present, two left lanes are getting by as the two right lanes remain blocked.

Hazmat officials are on scene to evaluate the cleanup efforts.