A tractor trailer flipped Monday afternoon, strewing its load of large metal pipes along the roadway and downing power lines.
It happened on Monday, July 3rd, outside of Silver Springs, Maryland on the Beltway between Connecticut and Georgia avenues.
According to Bethesda Magazine, a tractor trailer was traveling on I-495 (Capital Beltway) between Connecticut Avenue and Georgia Avenue at approximately 11:49 a.m. when it lost control, knocking down an electric pole and losing its load.
#TRAFFICALERT IL 495 past Connecticut Ave, #ChevyChase overturned truck. One lane getting by, left shoulder @nbcwashington @First4Traffic pic.twitter.com/trblpxL7nO
— Charlie Bragale (@charlienbc) July 3, 2017
The large metal pipes flew from the truck and littered the roadway, causing a complete shutdown of the inner loop.
Hazmat crews were called to help clean up the mess, including a fuel spill caused by the crash.
All lanes have been blocked in the clean-up effort and drivers are urged to avoid the highway for the remainder of the afternoon, as the lanes are expected to remain closed for at least several more hours.
No injuries have been reported and the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue spokesman, Pete Piringer, tweeted this video from the scene.
Update – Beltway I495 btwn Conn Av & Ga Av, overturned tractor-trailer carrying large steel pipes, HazMat assisting w/ fuel spill, 2 NLT inj pic.twitter.com/IMnriUDFqf
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) July 3, 2017
Update (3:15 p.m.):
Two left lanes were reopened shortly after 3 p.m., however the remaining lanes are expected to be closed through the evening rush hour.
2 left lanes now open on IL of I-495 at exit 33 Conn Ave; remaining lanes expected to remain closed at least thru evening rush. #MDtraffic
— MC Emergency Mgmt (@ReadyMontgomery) July 3, 2017
