Jack-knifed tractor-trailer damages vehicles; causes delays along Interstate 495

Several vehicles were damaged and several lanes of the D.C. beltway were closed after a tractor-trailer struck a jersey wall and jack-knifed across the lanes of the outer loop Wednesday morning.

The accident happened around 4 a.m. between the Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road exits in Silver Spring.

Police believe the tractor-trailer lost control and struck a jersey wall sending debris into oncoming traffic traveling on the inner loop of Interstate 495. A fuel spill also complicated the cleanup.

Several vehicles were reported damaged as a result and several lanes of the inner loop were closed for several hours.

Major delays formed on the outer loop as emergency crews worked to clear the lanes.

No injuries were reported in the accident.

Last Friday, a violent accident in the same area of I-495 left a tractor-trailer driver dead and closed all lanes of the roadway for several hours.

This area of the beltway - commonly referred to as 'The Roller Coaster' - is known for sharp twists and turns. The section of highway between Old Georgetown Road and Georgia Avenue is the scene of frequent accidents and bottlenecks.