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Follow up: More on Thursday afternoon’s nightmare drive on the highways

A series of disabled cars on Interstate 95 north in Stafford County led to a temporary closure of the highway on Thursday, said Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Brent Coffey.

The Virginia Department of Transportation reported the crash about 5:43 p.m. The saving grace — the temporary closure was of the northbound lanes, which didn’t affect drivers commuting south and heading home from work.

 

Drivers here, however, were lucky, as two more serious crashes led to longer delays on two other major roads in the region’s transportation network — The Capital Beltway and Interstate 66.

Fairfax County – Beltway crash 

At 1:38 p.m. Thursday (April 5), a tractor-trailer traveling west on I-495 lost a tire, which struck a vehicle in the left lane of I-495. The tractor-trailer then ran off the left side of I-495, struck the cement Jersey wall and overturned. The impact of the crash with the wall caused the tractor to catch fire and the trailer to lose some of its load of insulation into the eastbound lanes of I-495. The debris in the eastbound lanes also caught fire.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was charged with reckless driving for failing to maintain control of his vehicle. (I’m afraid I don’t have his information – name, age, or address)

The driver of the vehicle that was struck by the tire was not injured in the crash.

Fairfax County – I-66 chain reaction crash

At approximately 5:50 p.m., Virginia State Police received a call about a two-vehicle crash in the eastbound lanes of I-66 near Exit 60. As oncoming traffic swerved to avoid those vehicles and then one another, two chain-reaction crashes occurred. The first of the chain-reaction crash involved five vehicles. The second chain-reaction crash involved seven vehicles, with the last two catching fire.

There was only one minor injury and that driver was treated at the scene.

A total of seven drivers, among the two sets of crashes, was charged with following too closely.

Thursday’s incidents come about a week after a Woodbridge man was charged after his tractor-trailer crashed near the American Legion Bridge, crossing the Potomac River connecting Maryland with Virginia. The bridge is one of three in the region that cross the Potomac, and traffic was backed up for hours.

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A Night on the Riviera

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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?

On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??

But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.

What’s in store:

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