A person was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the Capital Beltway (I-495) near North Springfield Elementary School during the afternoon rush hour today (Monday).
The crash involving a Toyota Tacoma truck, a Scion XB hatchback, a Honda Civic, a Ford F350 and a Nissan Rogue occurred around 3:08 p.m. in the northbound lanes of I-495 near Braddock Road in north Springfield, according to the Virginia State Police.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the Toyota crashed into the Scion XB, which had stopped in the right express lane, according to a July 22 update.
“After the collision, the Tacoma then rolled multiple times, leading to chain reaction crash that involved the Civic, the F350, and the Rogue,” the VSP said.
The Scion XB driver — identified as 60-year-old Arlington resident Suzzane K. Colbert — died from her injuries at a hospital. Four other people — the Toyota and F350 drivers and the driver and a passenger in the Honda — were also taken to the hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The I-495 Express Lanes were shut down, along with all but one of the general-purpose lanes. As of 4:30 p.m., traffic backups extended about 4 to 5 miles, though drivers are getting by on the right shoulder, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s traffic cameras.
The crash was cleared, allowing all lanes to reopen, around 5:50 p.m., VDOT said on social media.
“The crash remains under investigation,” the VSP said.
#Springfield: NB 495 (Inner Loop) before Braddock Road, crash blocking all lanes, vehicles are currently getting by on the shoulder. Seek alternate routes. #VaTraffic pic.twitter.com/46VtJ71JnL
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) July 21, 2025
