Inner Loop reopens after 2 tractor-trailer accidents

Fuel is being drained from one of the tractor-trailers. (WTOP/Neal Augenstein)
The second tractor-trailer jackknifed as it approached the scene of the first accident. (WTOP/Neal Augenstein)
Drivers are sitting still in the backup. Some are napping. Others are out of their vehicles. (WTOP/Neal Augenstein)
Traffic is being diverted off the Inner Loop. (Courtesy of WJLA)
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WASHINGTON – All lanes of the Capital Beltway’s Inner Loop at Old Georgetown Road have reopened after two tractor-trailer accidents early Friday.

Authorities completely opened the lanes at 10 a.m., roughly nine hours after the first accident and 5 1/2 hours after the second accident.

The first tractor-trailer, which was hauling kitchen cabinets, hit the guardrail and jackknifed around 1 a.m., according to the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Maryland State Police say as the truck was being removed its fuel tank ruptured.

As the second tractor-trailer approached the first accident scene, police say it then jackknifed. That happened around 4:40 a.m. between Old Georgetown Road and Md. 355.

The fuel tank of the second tractor-trailer, which was hauling building materials, also ruptured.

Police say nobody was hurt, but some drivers spent more than three hours stuck between Old Georgetown Road and Md. 355 as they waited for the highway to partially reopen. When it did, authorities had to wake up some of the drivers.

While there were delays, the situation could have been far worse had school been in session.

WTOP Traffic will keep you up to date every 10 minutes on the 8s on 103.5 FM and you can follow WTOP Traffic and WTOP on Twitter. WTOP’s Custom Commute cameras also can help you navigate your commute.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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