All Lanes of GW Parkway Reopened After Engine Explosion

All lanes of George Washington Parkway are now reopened after an engine explosion closed a section of the road Thursday morning.

The charter bus explosion scattered fuel and debris across the parkway, closing the northbound lanes between Spout Run Parkway and the CIA exit. Both lanes reopened by 4 p.m.

Up to 40 gallons of oil from the engine leaked almost half a mile.

Cleanup was delayed due to visibility. The extent of the oil spill was not realized until sunrise.

Sand was used to sop up the oil, but some already got into seven drains, requiring a more extensive and lengthy cleanup. The Coast Guard and hazmat contractors are helping contain that.

Oil made its way into tributaries that eventually feed into the Potomac, officials said.

It's not clear what caused the vehicle's engine to explode. There's no word on any injuries.

Traffic in the area was detoured onto Spout Run Parkway.

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