A horrific crash involving over 20 vehicles took place in Montgomery County, Maryland on Monday morning, March 19.
The crash happened on Interstate 270 highway in the area of Middlebrook Road and Montgomery Village Avenue in Germantown, NBC Washington reported.
UPDATE – MCFRS Media Info Tapeline 240.777.2442, update early morning I270 multi-vehicle collision, 8a most SB lanes reopened pic.twitter.com/VHX2Ddz1HV
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) March 19, 2018
Update (8a) SB I270 at least three (3) lanes OPEN @MDSHA, about 20 vehicles were involved in some way, @MDSP investigating, EMS evaluated many, only 4 injured persons transporting, incl 2 traumas, none of the injuries appear life-threatening https://t.co/apAqlIhNPM
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) March 19, 2018
Authorities said it left multiple people seriously injured and was declared a mass casualty incident.
Medical responders evaluated over two dozen people and took four to the hospital, the Montgomery County Fire Department said. Out of the four, two had serious but non-life threatening injuries, ABC affiliate WJLA-TV reported.
Police said the incident was caused by a tractor-trailer which cut off a car. It set off a chain-reaction crashing involving another tractor-trailer carrying slate, which spilled its load across the busy roadway at about 5:20 a.m.
The vehicles behind the tractor-trailer were unable to stop in time to avoid the slate, NBC Washington reported.
Helicopter footage shows multiple vehicles with serious damage. The emergency response also appeared to be massive.
All of the southbound lanes of the I-270 were closed for several hours. But the road has since re-opened as of writing. Delays remain in the area.
#BREAKING: Tractor trailer that led to the 20-vehicle crash on I-270 in Montgomery County fled the scene, police say https://t.co/NpgoaNcLM9 pic.twitter.com/GaIuwzRDIm
— ABC 7 News – WJLA (@ABC7News) March 19, 2018
Maryland State Police say they are investigating the crash with help from Montgomery County Police, the Maryland State Highway Administration and others.
The tractor-trailer driver who started the incident reportedly stopped briefly but left the scene.
Police are asking for anyone who can help in identifying this driver to call 301-424-2101.
From NTD.tv
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