A horrific crash involving over 20 vehicles took place in Montgomery County, Maryland on Monday morning, March 19.
Authorities said it left multiple people seriously injured and was declared a mass casualty incident.
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.
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.
Friends Read Free