Traffic

UPDATED: Multiple Vehicle Crash on NB I-395

(Updated at 11:25 p.m.) Arlington County police and firefighters responded to a multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-395 just before the 14th Street Bridge.

The crash happened around 6:30 p.m., in the midst of rush hour. More than 20 vehicles were involved over a stretch of I-395. All lanes heading to D.C. were completely blocked at the main crash site. Traffic was being diverted onto the GW Parkway and Washington Blvd, though HOV lanes remained open.

There was a report of a woman trapped in one of the vehicles, but she was quickly freed, according to scanner traffic. Four people were said to be injured, but their injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening. Three were transported to local hospitals.

The driver of a pickup truck suffered a medical emergency, leading to the crashes, according to a statement from Virginia State Police (below).

At 6:25 p.m., Tuesday (July 12, 2016), Virginia State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash in the northbound lanes of I-395 in Arlington County.

The driver of a 2002 Toyota Tundra was traveling north on I-395 when he experienced a medical emergency and lost control of his vehicle. The Tundra began bumping into other northbound vehicles causing a chain reaction crash over a five mile stretch of interstate that ended when the Tundra got boxed in by traffic and came to a stop at Exit 10C.

A total of 21 vehicles were involved – to include the Toyota Tundra. The majority of vehicles had only minor damage with just eight having to be towed from the scene.

The driver of the Tundra, a 57-year-old Alexandria, Va., man was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the crashes…and for his serious medical emergency. At this stage of the investigation, he is not being charged due to the circumstances of the medical emergency.

Three other people were also transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of minor injuries.

The scene was cleared and all lanes re-opened by 8:55 p.m.