Seven patients, including four firefighters, were transported to area hospitals and trauma centers after two separate collisions on the Capital Beltway in Oxon Hill.
One firefighter was admitted to a hospital, while the others were released after treatment.
The first incident occurred on the outer loop, northbound side, of the Capital Beltway at the exit ramp for MD 295 just before 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday. This incident involved a single vehicle crash and rollover with an adult male trapped inside.
Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the crash, and as is standard on any limited access highway, units from each direction on the beltway are dispatched. As the heavy-duty rescue squad from Fire/EMS Station 47, Silisea, approached the scene they were involved in a multi-vehicle crash.
The squad, approaching on the inner loop, south bound side, slowed to enter a emergency access ramp in the median strip. As it came to a near stop, it was struck from behind by an 18-wheel tractor-trailer.
The squad was struck with such force that it was knocked over onto its right side, injuring the four firefighters on-board. Two civilian vehicles, that had stopped to allow the emergency vehicle to pass, were also struck by the tractor-trailer.
The combination of the two incidents prompted a response of nearly 100 public safety officials including helicopters, fire/EMS units from Prince George's County, Alexandria, District of Columbia, Fairfax and the U.S. Navy.
Prince George's County Fire Battalion Chief Doug Osterhouse established a unified incident command at the scene.
The Maryland State Highway Administration assisted with traffic and incident clean up. One lane of the outer loop was reopened by 1 a.m.
The initial crash resulted in an adult male being flown to an area trauma center in critical condition with a head injury. The four firefighters were flown to an area trauma center, while two civilians were taken by ambulances to an area hospital.
The Maryland State Police and Prince Georges County Police are conducting a joint investigation into these incidents.
