Virginia State Police responded to a four-vehicle, chain reaction crash in the northbound lanes of I-395, just south of Seminary Road, at 11:01 p.m. Saturday, March 12.
Three Metro Transit Police officers were northbound on I-395 responding to an emergency call. All three police vehicles were traveling with emergency lights and sirens activated.
In the left northbound lane, a 2014 Toyota Camry suddenly slowed to a stop in the travel lane. The first of the three Metro Transit Police vehicles immediately slowed to avoid the Toyota. The second police vehicle swerved to the right in an attempt to avoid the first police vehicle, but ended up sideswiping the first police vehicle. The impact of that crash caused the second police vehicle to strike the Camry. Then the third police vehicle struck the second police vehicle. The third police vehicle ran off the road and struck the Jersey wall.
All three Metro Transit Officers were transported to George Washington University Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the Toyota was transported to Inova Alexandria Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The driver was charged with stopping in a highway (Code of Virginia 46.2-888).
The crash remains under investigation.
The scene was cleared and all lanes reopened by 1:41 a.m.