Chain-Reaction Collision
on Crain Highway, 3 Fatalities

September 23, 2004, 0508 hrs

Rescue Squad 3 was dispatched by Charles County Communications for a multi-vehicle accident in Prince Georges County. Squad 3 responded immediately but was then informed by PG County dispatchers that they were due with the Engine, not the Squad. Squad 3 returned to quarters, and responded with Engine 31 to Crain Highway and Chadds Ford Drive. Upon arrival, the crew found several vehicles on fire, and scattered across the median and both the north- and southbound lanes, with at least one DOA. E-31 attacked the multiple fires while RS-40 attempted to extricate victims. E-121 and E-361 arrived shortly thereafter and E-121 established the water supply for E-31 and E-361. Once the bulk of the fire was extinguished, two additional victims were found in the charred remains of different vehicles. Two survivors were transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

According to witnesses and investigators, a cab driver swerved to avoid a disabled car stopped in the fast lane of northbound Route 301, a 55 mph 6-lane highway. The cab crossed the median into the southbound lanes, crashing into a dump truck. The dump truck, after being struck, also crossed the median, going into the northbound lanes where it hit a catering truck, a Monte Carlo and a Buick. The dump truck, catering truck and at least one vehicle all exploded, creating several fires across the highway.