The Inner Loop of the Beltway was closed Monday morning between Old Georgetown Road and Rockville Pike due to an accident involving a tractor-trailer and a car.
The truck, which was carrying kegs and cases of Sam Adams beer, overturned and struck a tree at about 4:30 a.m. in a wooded area off the highway after rear-ending a stopped passenger vehicle and continuing off the road and partially up an embankment.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, 49-year-old Jeffery Meade, of Verona, Va., was killed in the crash, according to Maryland State Police. A second person was taken to a hospital in critical condition, Maryland State Police Sgt. Michael Brennan told the Associated Press.
Hazmat crews were called to the scene due to a fuel leak from one of the truck's saddle tanks.
One lane of the Beltway was reopened at about 7:15 a.m. to alleviate some of the traffic that was backed up. Officials recommended taking the I-270 North spur to Democracy Boulevard, keep to the right on Democracy and then travel to Rockville Pike.
All lanes were reopened by about 2:45 p.m.
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