6 dead after car hits workers in construction zone on Baltimore Beltway

WOODLAWN, Md. — At least six people are dead after a crash that closed the Baltimore Beltway in both directions Wednesday, snarling traffic along the west side of the highway that encircles the city, Maryland State Police said.

Police said troopers were responding at about 1:30 p.m. to a crash on northbound Interstate 695 in the Woodlawn area, where road work has been taking place.

In a Twitter update later Wednesday afternoon, police said at least six people had died.

Some of those killed were inside the construction zone, according to a State Police spokesperson who was unable to specify whether the victims were construction workers.

The driver of a grey Acura passenger vehicle involved in the crash was transported from the scene by ground to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for medical treatment. The identity of the driver is unknown at this time, state police said in a release.

According to a preliminary investigation and for reasons unknown at this time, an Acura entered the work zone traveling in between temporary placed jersey walls, striking multiple construction workers before overturning.

Officials with the Baltimore County Fire Department, which also responded, called the crash “extremely serious” and asked drivers to avoid the area.

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Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski also called the incident horrific.

“We offer our sincere condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in today’s tragic crash,” he wrote in a tweet.

No additional information was immediately available, including whether the crash caused other injuries.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: 6 dead after car hits workers in construction zone on Baltimore Beltway