Fuel spill triggers multiple crashes, delays on Beltway in Montgomery County

    A mechanical issue caused a tractor-trailer to spill fuel across the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway, triggering a few multivehicle crashes and leading to major delays during the Monday afternoon commute, according to a spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

    The fuel spill and subsequent collisions happened at around 3 p.m. on Interstate 495 eastbound, between University Boulevard and New Hampshire Avenue, in Montgomery County, Maryland.

    Pete Piringer, the department’s spokesman, said the collisions may have involved as many as a dozen vehicles and around 20 people were evaluated by first responders for potential injuries.

    Drivers are able to get past the scene but WTOP Traffic reporter Dave Dildine said significant delays remain Monday afternoon. According to Piringer, two lanes were blocked and the backup reached about 6 miles at 3:45 p.m.

    TRAFFIC

    traffic icon
    Multiple Crashes, Fuel Spill
    I-495/Capital Beltway Inner Loop after MD-193/University Blvd (#29) , right side blocked by the multiple crashes, fuel spill.
    10/05/2026 at 04:26pm
    traffic icon
    Crash
    DC-295 northbound after Pennsylvania Ave SE , left side blocked by the crash.
    10/05/2026 at 03:41pm
    traffic icon
    Emergency Work Zone
    Pennsylvania Ave SE both ways between DC-295 and Minnesota Ave SE , road closure in effect by the emergency work zone.
    10/05/2026 at 04:16pm
    traffic icon
    Crash
    MD-28/Darnestown Rd both ways near MD-112/Seneca Rd , expect delays by the crash.
    10/05/2026 at 04:41pm

    Listen to WTOP Traffic for the latest on roadway impacts.

    This is a developing story. Stay with WTOP for the latest.

    Source

    Latest Posts