(Updated at 11:40 a.m.) One person was killed early this morning (Tuesday) after their vehicle apparently drove off the Capital Beltway (I-495) near the Springfield Mixing Bowl and crashed onto railroad tracks below.
An initial investigation indicates that a Kia was headed west on I-495 towards northbound I-395 when it veered off the interstate near exit 170B, according to Virginia State Police, which responded at 1:19 a.m.
“The vehicle went over the side cement barrier and landed on the railroad tracks below. The impact of the crash caused the vehicle to immediately catch fire,” the VSP said in a news release.
In an update at 11:48 a.m., police confirmed that the person who died was the Kia’s driver and lone occupant.
Some ramps at the interchange were closed, but the scene has now been cleared, and Virginia Railway Express trains are up and running, WTOP reported shortly after 6:30 a.m.
“The remains have been transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Manassas for examination, autopsy and positive identification,” the VSP said.
NEW: Early reports a car went off of I-395N ramp from Beltway & onto railroad tracks below. Vehicle is on fire. Follow @WTOPtraffic for details. @ffxnow @CordellTraffic @RealTimeNews10 #traffic #vatraffic @SafetyVid pic.twitter.com/T6G2gGQUqN
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) May 2, 2023
Springfield: Mixing Bowl ramps 495 EB (Outer Loop) to 395 NB and 495 WB (Inner Loop) to 395 NB closed due to crash. Pls use alternate route.
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) May 2, 2023
Photo via Google Maps
