It occurred as police were escorting a motorcade from Washington DC to WV.
Frederick, Md (KM) One person was killed in a four-vehicle crash Wednesday morning shortly after 9:00 along westbound Interstate 70 near the I-270 Ramp.
Maryland State Police spokeswoman Elena Russo says traffic was stopped for a Congressional motorcade traveling through the area. “Preliminary information indicates a dump truck coming up on the rear of the motorcade was unable to slow before crashing into an SUV which subsequently caught fire,” she says.
Authorities say three dump trucks and the SUV caught fire following the crash. Fire and heavy black smoke could be seen about a quarter mile away.
The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s name is not being released until next of kin are notified, State Police say.
Two of the dump truck drivers were transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital, authorities say.
The US Capitol Police say in a statement that officers were escorting a Congressional motorcade to Shepardstown, West Virginia. No Capitol Police Officers or members of the motorcade were involved in the crash, but officers did render aid and assistance following the crash, according to US Capitol Police.
The Associated Press reports that Senate Democrats are holding a retreat in Shepardstown.
The State Police CRASH Team and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and troopers from the Frederick Barrack responded to the scene, along with Frederick County Fire and EMS.
State Police say that section of westbound I-70 is expected to be closed for several hours while troopers conduct their investigation.
By Kevin McManus
