Maryland State Police say two people are dead and several others injured after a three-car collision on the Capital Beltway.

It happened around 7:40 p.m. Monday, on the Outer Loop of the highway near the Connecticut Avenue exit.

State Police say the crash started when the driver of one car lost control and swerved into another lane, striking a second vehicle and spinning onto the shoulder. The first car then returned to its lane, where it was struck by a third car on the left rear door and left wheel door.

Two passengers in the first car were pronounced dead. Two other passengers in the same car were also being treated for injuries, as was the driver and a passenger in the second car.