6 Injured In I-495 Crash; Wrong-Way Driver Charged With DUI: PD

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Two people suffered life-threatening injuries after a man accused of driving while drunk was going the wrong way on I-495 early Thursday morning, leading to a series of crashes, the Virginia State Police said.

Around 3:04 a.m., police received a call about the wrong-way driver on I-495 near Braddock Road but before police could get to the scene, the Nissan Leaf going the wrong way struck a BMW SUV head-on, police said.

Damage from the crash created a substantial debris field, according to police.

The Nissan then ran off the road and into the guardrail, police said. The driver of the car, who has not been identified, was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Police said he has been charged with DUI.

The two passengers of the BMW were standing outside the car when a Honda Civic struck the car, police said. The BMW occupants were then struck and injured. Police said they were taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital for life-threatening injuries.

Two other cars struck the debris field and police said a total of six people had to be taken to the hospital.

Police also said a Maryland woman was arrested at the scene around 7:43 a.m. after she drove into the area closed off by the crash. Samantha Markos, 34, of Temple Hills, was charged with reckless driving and distribution of marijuana with intent to distribute, police said.