A six-vehicle crash Friday morning closed the Beltway in Bethesda for a half-hour, triggering major traffic delays during rush hour.
State police said the crash was caused when something fell from a tractor-trailer load near River Road about 7:30 a.m.
State police said an unknown object fell from the truck on the Outer Loop of Interstate 495, which caused a trailing vehicle to lose control and go through an opening in the concrete barrier separating traffic.
The vehicle traveled onto the Inner Loop of I-495 and collided with several others, one of which caught fire, police said.
Traffic camera video showed thick white smoke rising from one of the vehicles.
Two women were taken to nearby hospitals to be treated for injuries, police said. Both were reported in stable condition Friday morning.
All lanes of I-495 were reopened less than a hour later but delays on the Beltway and side roads, where some drivers diverted, lasted for another hour.
No charges have been filed at this time and the investigation is ongoing, police said.
Charlie Wright can be reached at charlie.wright@moco360.media
