Police: Five Injured in Fiery Crash Involving Deer in Great Falls

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Fairfax County Police responded to a crash that critically injured some passengers last night on eastbound Georgetown Pike near Old Dominion Drive, according to a news release from FCPD.

The crash took place at around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, March 19. The roadway is in a location that is very woodsy, near Great Falls Park.

The driver and four passengers were all injured, police say, after a deer reportedly stepped into the path of their vehicle.

The driver lost control of the 2007 Honda Civic he was driving, according to police. The vehicle struck a fence, a tree, a utility pole and then came to rest on its side in the woods near the roadway. One person, who suffered the most serious injuries, was still in the vehicle as it burst into flames, according to police.

The 29-year-old driver, from Washington, DC and his front seat passenger have been treated and released from the hospital, police said.

Three of the back-seat passengers, all females from DC, remain hospitalized. Two are in life-threatening condition, according to police. One of the women was flown via Fairfax One to the Washington Burn Center. Others have broken bones and other injuries. Detectives are investigating whether or not seat belts were in use at the time of the crash.

Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives believe speed was a partial factor in the severity of the crash. They do not believe alcohol was a factor. No charges have been placed yet; the crash remains under investigation.

Deer-vehicle collisions are a serious concern in Fairfax County. For information, see http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/animals/wildlife/management/deer-vehicle-collisions.htm.