A tragic accident on Maryland’s busy Interstate 495 has claimed the life of a woman from Washington, D.C. The crash happened on Monday afternoon in Prince George’s County, after a loose tire from a pickup truck bounced across highway lanes and caused a deadly collision.
Loose Tire Causes Fatal I-495 Crash in Largo
The crash occurred around 1:50 p.m. near Medical Center Drive, according to Maryland State Police. A Dodge Ram 1500 was traveling northbound when its rear driver-side tire suddenly came off the vehicle. The tire rolled across the median and into the southbound lanes.
Tragically, it hit a Lexus NX200t, driven by 59-year-old Tammy Lynn Edwards of Washington, D.C. The force of the impact pushed her vehicle into a concrete barrier and then into a guardrail.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dodge Ram Occupants Uninjured
The people in the Dodge Ram were not hurt, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Troopers from both the Forestville and College Park barracks responded to assist at the scene.
While the Maryland Department of Transportation helped manage traffic and lane closures, the Maryland State Police Crash Team began an in-depth investigation to understand how the tire came off.
Cause of Tire Detachment Still Under Investigation
At this point, police have not confirmed the exact cause of the tire separation. Investigators are checking whether it was due to a mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or possibly a manufacturing defect. These types of failures, while rare, can be deadly, especially at highway speeds.
Expect Delays Around Medical Center Drive
Drivers using I-495 near Medical Center Drive should be prepared for delays and possible lane closures as police continue their investigation. Traffic may be affected for several days depending on the results of the crash analysis.
This heartbreaking incident shows how unpredictable and dangerous road conditions can be—even without a direct vehicle collision. Tammy Lynn Edwards lost her life in an instant due to a mechanical issue from another vehicle. Authorities are working to find out what went wrong, and the investigation remains active. For now, drivers are urged to stay cautious, check their vehicles regularly, and drive safely, especially on high-speed roads like the Beltway.
