All lanes on Capital Beltway’s outer loop in Md. reopen; one dead in crash

Police said they’re investigating the fatal crash that involved an SUV headed in the wrong direction

Traffic backups on the Beltway’s outer loop at Route 214 in Prince George’s County after a crash. (Maryland Department of Transportation)

All lanes of the Capital Beltway’s outer loop in Maryland have reopened Wednesday after a fatal crash that involved an SUV headed in the wrong direction on the highway.

FINAL: Crash with Injury. I-95/495 NB (Outer Loop) at MD-214 (Exit 15). Prince George's County, MD. Incident cleared, and all travel lanes are reopened. Outer Loop delays remain, beginning before MD-337.

— MATOC Alerts (@MATOC) June 8, 2022

Maryland state police said on Twitter that an initial investigation found that the driver of a Lincoln Navigator was driving “the wrong way” on the Beltway, heading south in the northbound lanes, and struck a Buick SUV. One of the vehicles was on fire when police arrived.

The driver of the Buick was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The driver was not immediately identified, pending the notification of relatives.

According to a preliminary investigation, the driver of the Lincoln Navigator was the one traveling the wrong way on 495. The operator of the Buick SUV was pronounced deceased on-scene.

— MD State Police (@MDSP) June 8, 2022

Delays are abating, officials said, and traffic is being diverted in the area.

UPDATE: Crash with Injury. I-95/495 NB (Outer Loop) at MD-214 (Exit 15). Prince George's County, MD. 3 right lanes remain blocked. 1 left lane open. Outer Loop delays remain, beginning near MD-5. Inner Loop rubbernecking delays are dissipating.

— MATOC Alerts (@MATOC) June 8, 2022