Two killed in Interstate 81 crash Friday near Hagerstown airport, police say: Live update
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Two confirmed dead in I-81 crash near Hagerstown airport, Maryland State Police say
Two people were killed in the crash Friday morning on Interstate 81 near Maugansville, north of Hagerstown.
The identities of the victims were not released, pending notification of family, said Elena Russo, spokesperson for Maryland State Police.
Initially, state police confirmed that at least one person had died in the crash that involved four tractor-trailers and two passenger vehicles.
The 9:30 a.m. crash happened near the 10 mile-marker, which is near the Showalter Road exit. The Hagerstown Regional Airport abuts the interstate near there.
Greencastle-Antrim School District warns of delays
Another school district is warning parents that buses could be delayed this afternoon due to a fatal crash that has closed southbound Interstate 81 north of Hagerstown.
The Greencastle-Antrim School District issued a notice that the crash has impacted traffic in their area and is expected to affect dismissal times and bus routes Friday afternoon.
"Please be patient with our drivers as they work to get through the traffic quickly and safely," wrote Superintendent Lura Hanks.
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Second fatal crash on I-81 in the region in a month
Friday's fatal crash on Interstate 81 is the second fatal crash along the highway in the Tri-State area in less than a month.
A blown tire led to a crash in Greene Township, north of Chambersburg in Franklin County, Pa., the night of Aug. 9, killing five people and a dog.
Donald Molander, Kimberly Molander and their children Miranda Molander, 21, and ATV-racer Dane Molander, 19, of Middletown, Pa., and James Shade, of Martinsburg, W. Va., were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The Molanders were traveling south on I-81 in an RV that was towing an enclosed trailer. The front left tire blew out, causing the motorhome to travel across the grass median and into the northbound lanes. The RV struck a tractor-trailer head-on. Shade was driving the truck.
Washington County Public Schools warns of delays
Washington County Public Schools officials put out a notice on its website and social media about potential delays Friday afternoon from the fatal crash that happened on Interstate 81 earlier in the day.
From the school system:
"Washington County Public Schools anticipates there being some delays in buses dropping off students this afternoon. This is due to an accident that has closed southbound Interstate 81 in the Hagerstown area. We are attempting to minimize any delays and appreciate your patience as we work to get all students home safely."
Traffic backed up on I-81 for miles
Traffic on Interstate 81 southbound is backed up into Pennsylvania for about 5 miles or more, based on traffic camera footage on the highway.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation trucks were seen diverting traffic at Pa. 16, which is exit 5 for Greencastle.
Traffic was being diverted at Mason-Dixon Road on I-81 as well.
Cameras also show heavy traffic on Molly Pitcher Highway, also known as U.S. 11, at exit 3 south of Greencastle.
It was not known when the interstate would reopen, but Maryland State Police said it would be closed for hours while troopers investigate the crash.
One fatality, multiple injuries in crash
Maryland State Police confirmed one person has died as they continue to respond to a crash on southbound Interstate 81 near Maugansville.
There are multiple injuries, Maryland State Police spokesperson Ron Snyder said.
#ALERT @mdsp are investigating a fatal crash that is involving at least 4 tractor trailers & 2 cars at SB I-81 near the 10MM. One fatality has been confirmed and multiple other people are injured. I-81 S is closed at the scene of the crash. Updates to follow https://t.co/4XYuEnPXGL pic.twitter.com/ZRukEvVhhV
— MD State Police (@MDSP) September 1, 2023
Southbound I-81 likely to be closed for a while
Southbound I-81 is expected to be closed for an extended period of time, including for the crash reconstruction investigation, state police spokesperson Elena Russo said.
The northbound lanes also were closed around 11 a.m. for a medevac helicopter to land, according to Washington County 911.
The crash is in the area of Showalter Road, Snyder said.
The crash near the 10 mile marker was reported shortly after 9:30 a.m., a Washington County 911 supervisor said.
The crash involved at least four tractor-trailers and two passenger vehicles, Snyder said.
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Maryland State Police respond to fatal I-81 crash north of Hagerstown
