A fuel tanker bound from Northern Virginia into Maryland on the Capital Beltway flipped and skidded to a stop Thursday afternoon at American Legion Bridge, blocking all lanes of the Inner Loop, authorities said.
Police in Virginia advised drivers to avoid the Beltway stretch heading into Maryland and said cleanup could take several hours as hazardous materials crews worked to contain a fuel spill.
One lane of traffic into Maryland had started to move about 4:30 p.m. and state traffic cameras showed bumper-to-bumper conditions from Maryland crossing the Potomac River into Virginia.
Fire units from Montgomery County were called to assist, according to a spokesman for the county’s fire service.
Information about the cause of the mishap and injuries was not available.
Highway officials in Virginia urged drivers to find alternate routes for the evening rush hour.
