Fatal Crash On I-695 In Baltimore Co. Under Investigation

(CATONSVILLE, MD) — Maryland State Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash on the outer loop of I-695 in Baltimore County that occurred tonight when a driver reportedly jumped out of his moving vehicle and was struck by an oncoming tractor trailer in the adjacent lane.

Troopers are working to identify the adult male victim and notify family. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy. His identification is not expected to be released until tomorrow.

Just before 8:00 p.m. tonight, troopers at the Golden Ring Barrack were dispatched for a report of a crash on the outer loop of I-695 at exit 15, Rt. 40. Due to the expanse of the scene and seriousness of the crash, troopers had to close the entire outer loop. MDOT State Highway Administration personnel responded to detour traffic onto Rt. 40 and around the scene.

The preliminary investigation indicates a driver, later identified as the deceased, struck the rear of a vehicle while on the ramp from Security Blvd. onto the outer loop of I-695. The at-fault driver did not stop and continued onto the beltway, where he traveled in lane three. (Lane one is the fast lane.)

During the preliminary investigation, troopers learned from witness information that while traveling in lane three, the driver opened his car door and jumped out of his moving car into lane two of the beltway. An oncoming tractor trailer traveling in lane two was unable to stop and struck the man.

The car the man jumped from came to rest along the left side jersey wall. No other vehicles were struck. No other injuries were reported, including the occupants of the car originally struck on the ramp.

Reasons for the driver’s actions are unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.