Over 250 crashes, spinouts Thursday evening

Amidst a challenging winter storm that swept through the Washington D.C. metro area Thursday evening, public safety personnel responded to over 250 crashes and spinouts across the region.

The treacherous road conditions resulted in a massive effort by local police, fire and emergency medical services to assist those involved in the numerous incidents.

“It was a difficult evening,” remarked Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein in a statement. “The icy roadways and strong winds created hazardous conditions that our personnel worked diligently to address.”

The storm began to move through the area around 6 p.m., with the National Weather Service warning of “difficult travel due to snow and ice accumulation.” The agency advised that the freezing temperatures and persistent winds would create a “potentially serious and life-threatening” situation.

The Maryland State Police reported that there were over 200 crashes and spinouts in Montgomery County, with another 40-50 occurring throughout the District of Columbia.

“It’s a very technical and specialized job to respond and manage these incidents,” commented DC Fire and EMS Chief Gregory Dean. “Our personnel are well-trained and worked to ensure a safe outcome for all involved.”

The National Weather Service has predicted a warm-up in the region over the next few days, but has reminded residents to remain vigilant and use caution while driving.