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UPDATED: Drivers critically injured in crash on Route 50 at I-66 near Fair Oaks

Route 50 has been closed at I-66 after a two-vehicle crash near Fair Oaks (via Google Maps)

Updated at 6:40 p.m. on 8/13/2023 — Fairfax County police have determined that the crash on Route 50 started when the driver of a 2007 Jeep Laredo rear-ended a 2023 Lexus. The driver then hit a Land Rover and a guardrail, drove across the grass median and went airborne, striking a 2009 Ford U-Haul Truck.

The Jeep and U-Haul drivers were hospitalized with injuries initially considered life-threatening, but their condition has since been changed to non-life-threatening.

Police are still investigating whether alcohol, drugs or speed were a factor in the crash.

Updated at 3:30 p.m. — Route 50 has reopened to traffic, according to police.

Earlier: Two people have been taken to the hospital after a two-vehicle four-vehicle crash at the Route 50 and I-66 interchange near Fair Oaks Mall.

Eastbound Route 50 has been shut down at West Ox Road as officers investigate the crash, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. The eastbound I-66 ramp to eastbound Route 50 and the I-66 West ramp to westbound Route 50 have also been closed.

Police initially reported that one person had been transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but a later update stated that both drivers were in critical condition.

A Fairfax Alert on the road closure described the crash as “significant.”

The Virginia Department of Transportation advises drivers to expect delays. Its traffic camera system indicates that the east left and right shoulders of Route 50 are closed.

According to scanner traffic on OpenMHz, the incident involved two separate crash scenes with a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a U-Haul mini truck found overturned about a quarter-mile apart.

“We have a report of a Jeep Cherokee that flipped over the median with a female occupant still inside the vehicle,” a dispatcher told responders with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department at 11:11 a.m.

Per scanner traffic, the Jeep occupant had a broken arm and needed to be extricated.

The person who suffered life-threatening injuries was trapped in the driver’s front seat of the U-Haul. FCFRD responders reported that they had extricated the person around 11:35 a.m.

At least two other vehicles were reportedly involved in the crash, including an SUV that got flipped onto its driver’s side. The dispatcher reported at 11:38 a.m. that they got a call from someone who had pulled off at Route 50 and Waples Mill Road with two people in need of medical attention.

Map via Google Maps

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More than 2,000 people in Fairfax County still waiting for power after thunderstorm

Power outages in Fairfax area on Aug. 8, 2023 (via Dominion Energy)

Utility crews are still working to restore electricity to over 2,000 customers after last night’s storms.

As of 9 a.m., there were 2,545 people in the county without power, according to PowerOutage.US, which collects data from utilities across the country. That includes 1,672 Dominion Energy customers and 873 customers of the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC).

The scope of the outages has been reduced significantly overnight after strong winds and rain knocked out power for more than 16,000 people by 7 p.m. yesterday (Monday). The county was hit hardest south of I-66, particularly around Fairfax City and Annandale.

According to its outage map, Dominion Energy is estimating that power will be restored to the still-affected areas around 3-8 p.m. today. Spokesperson Peggy Fox reported around 8:30 a.m. that the company has 6,000 remaining outages at 240 different locations across the region.

There is at least one lingering road closure. Henderson Road near Seven Hills Lane in Clifton is still blocked by a downed tree, the Fairfax County Police Department tweeted, advising drivers to find alternate routes.

Last night, the department said debris and downed wires had closed “several secondary roads,” but no major ones, resulting in limited traffic impacts.

Overall, last night’s storms caused less damage than forecasters had feared. Warnings of potential tornadoes prompted facility closures and an early end to the work day for many, including local federal government employees.

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UPDATED: More than 16,000 without power in Fairfax County as storms roll through

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(Updated at 8:05 p.m.) Thousands of people in Fairfax County have been hit by power outages in the wake of a thunderstorm that’s continuing to march eastward toward D.C.

As of 7:15 p.m., there were 16,029 customers in Fairfax County and another 1,770 customers in Fairfax City without power, according to Dominion Energy’s outage map, which shows 90 separate outages.

The most sizable outages appear to be focused south of I-66, with thousands affected around Fairfax City, including around George Mason University’s campus, and Fairfax Station. Major outages also appear in Great Falls, Annandale and Lincolnia.

The outages may have affected the Burke Centre Library and the John Marshall Library in Rose Hill. Fairfax County Public Library says both branches were closed at 6:45 p.m. “due to facilities issues.”

While there have been no reports of hail or tornadoes yet, the storm has kept the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department busy with calls for downed wires and trees.

The department reported at 5:54 p.m. that it had units working 12 different calls for outside fires.

Road closures have also cropped up, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. A spokesperson says no major roads have been shut down, but “there are several secondary roads that may have debris or downed wires.”

“Due to inclement weather, multiple roads in Fairfax County are closed or blocked. #FCPD will respond and provide updates as soon as possible,” the department said on Twitter.

Metro, which has activated its Emergency Operations Center, is delaying trains and buses in some areas due to the weather.

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NEW: GW Parkway fully reopens after storm-felled trees are cleared

The George Washington Memorial Parkway near I-495 with a temporary reversible lane (via Google Maps)

It took four days of work, but all trees have finally been cleared from the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

The parkway’s northern section between the Capital Beltway (I-495) in McLean and Spout Run Parkway in Arlington reopened at 9:45 a.m. today after hundreds of trees downed by a storm on Saturday (July 29) necessitated an extended closure.

The northbound lane reopened at 1 p.m. yesterday (Tuesday), but the southbound lane weren’t cleared until this morning, according to the National Park Service.

The GW Parkway will be fully operational for the afternoon rush-hour.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the public for their patience and understanding during this closure period,” GW Parkway Superintendent Charles Cuvelier said. “The safety of our visitors and commuters remains our top priority. We are dedicated to ensuring their well-being and convenience throughout their journey on the George Washington Memorial Parkway.”

As of yesterday, clean-up crews had removed up to 325 trees from the roadway, creating more than 500 tons of wood and debris that filled up 100 dump trucks and 15 chipper trucks, the NPS previously said.

The NPS noted that drivers should still be cautious around ongoing construction to rehabilitate the parkway. The project required the addition of a third, reversible lane in the median that has been in effect since April.

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GW Parkway still partially closed as storm cleanup continues

Most of the GW Parkway’s northern section is closed as crews continue to remove trees knocked down by Saturday’s storm (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 1:35 p.m.) The ear-splitting thunder that accompanied Saturday’s rainstorm has faded, but efforts to clean up the resulting damage continue.

All southbound lanes on the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean and Arlington remained closed during rush hour this morning (Monday), as crews worked to remove fallen trees.

“Currently, the northern section (from Spout Run Parkway to I-495) continues to be closed, with the exception of the northbound lanes from Route 123 to I-495,” the National Park Service said last night, urging drivers “to use caution in the area.”

The cleanup effort is expected to take another three to four days, according to the park service, which has deployed five different teams to assist.

“These closures are necessary to ensure the removal of hazardous trees, including those that have fallen across the roadway and broken limbs that pose a risk to travel lanes,” the NPS said in an update shortly before 1:30 p.m.

According to Dominion Energy, 768 of its customers in Fairfax County are still without power, as of 9:30 a.m.

The largest outage is in the West Falls Church area along Sleepy Hollow Road, affecting 437 people. The estimated time of restoration is still undetermined “pending investigation,” according to the utility company’s outage map.

There are also still smaller outages scattered around the Seven Corners area, Springfield and the Richmond Highway corridor.

Over the past couple of days, Dominion has managed to restore power to most of the 128,000 customers in Virginia who experienced an outage during the storm on Saturday (July 29), including approximately 26,000 people in Fairfax County.

“This was a severe storm with winds as high as 60-80 mph, which caused significant damage to trees, branches and power lines,” Dominion said in a tweet yesterday, stating that its crews would continue working through the evening to restore electricity for all those still affected.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said it responded to 238 calls between 4:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday — double the call volume it sees on a typical summer Saturday.

Map via Google Maps

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JUST IN: Gas leak shuts down Route 7 in Wolf Trap

A gas leak has closed Route 7 at Forestville Drive/Beulah Road in Wolf Trap (via FCFRD/Twitter)

(Updated at 12:30 p.m.) A gas leak has closed Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) at Beulah Road and Forestville Drive in the Wolf Trap area.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units are currently at the scene and expect to be there for “an extended period of time,” the department said at 11:39 a.m.

“Leesburg Pike is closed in both directions. Please seek alternative routes,” the FCFRD said.

According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the closure may last “several days” as crews make repairs.

A Washington Gas representative says “a third party” hit one of the company’s 6-inch main lines. The location of the line required the intersection to close for repairs.

The “large volume” gas line was hit during construction work on the roadway, according to the FCPD public affairs bureau.

“Due to the scope of the repair ahead, it is estimated that the repair will take several days,” Sgt. Jacob Pearce told FFXnow.

Construction to widen Route 7 from Reston Avenue to Jarrett Valley Drive just north of Tysons has been underway since 2019.

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BREAKING: One killed in crash outside Burke shopping center

A Fairfax County police SUV with lights on (file photo)

(Updated at 12:20 a.m. on 7/19/2023) One teen has died and three others have been hospitalized after a two-vehicle crash in Burke.

Officers were called to the scene outside the Burke Centre Shopping Center in the 5700 block of Burke Center Parkway, the Fairfax County Police Department tweeted at 9:42 p.m.

“Detectives do believe that speed was likely a factor in this crash,” FCPD Lt. James Curry said in an update at midnight, asking anyone who may have been in the area around 9 p.m. to call the department’s non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

Burke Centre Parkway was closed for the police investigation. The FCPD advised everyone to avoid the area.

This is Fairfax County’s second fatal crash in as many days. A driver was killed last night (Monday) after a two-vehicle crash on Jeff Todd Way in Fort Belvoir.

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BREAKING: Pedestrian seriously injured in Franconia-Springfield Parkway crash

Westbound Franconia-Springfield Parkway is closed at Spring Village Drive after a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle (via FCPD/Twitter)

Updated at 8:50 p.m. — Franconia-Springfield Parkway has reopened after a driver hit a pedestrian earlier this evening.

Earlier: A pedestrian has been hospitalized after a vehicle crash on Franconia-Springfield Parkway in Springfield.

All westbound lanes have been closed to traffic at Spring Village Drive, according to police.

“The adult man was taken to the hospital in life-threatening condition,” the Fairfax County Police Department said shortly after 6 p.m.

According to scanner traffic, medics were dispatched to the scene around 5:29 p.m. A dispatcher reported at 5:30 p.m. reported that “someone hit a pedestrian that was crossing the road.”

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Child hospitalized by car crash on Richmond Highway in Groveton

Fairfax County police investigate a vehicle crash at Richmond Highway and Holly Hill Road in Groveton (via FCPD/Twitter)

(Updated at 3 p.m.) A child was taken to the hospital last night (Tuesday) after a car crash on Richmond Highway in the Groveton area.

Police and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the intersection of Richmond Highway (Route 1) and Holly Hill Road around 8:53 p.m., according to scanner traffic on Open MHz.

According to police, Jermaine Ridgely, 45, of Alexandria was driving north on Route 1 in a 2003 Infiniti when he hit a southbound 2010 Nissan Altima that was turning left into a parking lot in the 7100 block of Richmond Highway.

“A juvenile passenger in the Nissan Altima was seriously injured in the crash and was taken to an area hospital in life-threatening condition,” the Fairfax County Police Department said, noting that a medic with the fire department “witnessed the crash and immediately rendered medical aid.”

The child remains hospitalized, police said in an update today.

Scanner traffic suggested one other person was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, but no other injuries were mentioned in the police news release.

Ridgely was arrested and faces a charge for driving under the influence, along with a citation for failing to obey a highway sign.

“Preliminarily, detectives believe speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash,” the FCPD said.

Ridgely is currently being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Photo via FCPD/Twitter

UPDATED: Police fatally shoot man who fought with officer in Penn Daw

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis addresses a fatal police shooting near a Citgo gas station in Penn Daw (via FCPD/Facebook)

(Updated at 2 p.m. on 5/12/2023) A man from Newport News was killed during a struggle with police in Penn Daw where two officers fired their guns.

No officers were injured in the gunfire, which occured outside a McDonalds (6239 Richmond Highway), but one officer was hospitalized with head injuries from a fight with 38-year-old Brandon Lemagne prior to the shooting, the Fairfax County Police Department said.

“He was fighting for his life, literally,” Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said of the injured officer in a media briefing.

According to the FCPD, the encounter began when that officer got a license plate alert at 4:06 p.m. for a U-Haul truck that had been reported stolen in Richmond on May 3. The officer pulled into the Citgo gas station adjacent to McDonalds when Lemagne stopped the truck at the station and got out.

“He made contact with driver outside the vehicle,” Davis said. “Very shortly thereafter, the assailant — and that’s what I’m calling him — shoved our police officer into the open front driver’s door of the marked police car and was attacking him, was on top of him and was violently assaulting our uniformed Fairfax County police officer.”

At some point during the struggle, the police cruiser was put in reverse and drove backwards until it hit two vehicles parked at McDonalds.

Scanner traffic on Open MHz captured an officer yelling, “He’s got my gun” at 4:07 p.m., followed about 20 seconds later by shouts of “shots fired.”

According to police, two officers — a 24-year veteran and an 8-year veteran from the Mount Vernon District station — responded to the dispatch. The 8-year veteran fired “several rounds,” while the other pulled Lemagne off of the police officer, Davis said.

The 24-year veteran then fired his gun, hitting and killing Lemagne.

“Several shots fired. We got the guy,” an officer told the dispatcher.

The officer’s gun was recovered from the scene, and he was discharged from the hospital a day later.

Describing the incident as “pretty dramatic” and unlike anything he’s seen before, Davis noted that there was body-worn camera and surveillance footage of the incident. A video from what appears to be a cell phone has already been circulated on social media.

This is the second fatal shooting by Fairfax County police this year, after D.C. resident Timothy Johnson was killed outside Tysons Corner Center on Feb. 22.

“All officer involved shootings receive the utmost investigative attention from our internal affairs bureau and major crimes,” Davis said, later adding that “we certainly take the loss of any life very seriously.”

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