LAUREL, Anne Arundel County, Md., Oct. 19, 2026 — A man died and three other people were hurt early Sunday morning, October 18, in a string of crashes involving multiple vehicles on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Anne Arundel County. U.S. Park Police said the chain-reaction crash happened in the southbound lanes near Route 198.
Officers were called to the scene around 4:17 a.m., according to Park Police. Investigators said a southbound vehicle first struck another vehicle that was parked and unoccupied on the shoulder.
The driver of that vehicle got out and was then struck by a second southbound vehicle, police said. Several more vehicles became involved as the crashes continued, according to the report.
Anne Arundel County emergency crews pronounced the man dead at the scene. Three other people were taken to area hospitals with injuries described as not life-threatening.
The crashes remain under investigation. No additional details, including the identities of those involved, have been released.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
More on Crashes in Laurel, MD
This fatal crash happened on Route 198 in Laurel, MD. We cover crashes across Anne Arundel County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Anne Arundel County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are multi-vehicle pile-ups difficult to investigate?
Investigators often have to piece together the order of impacts from several drivers' accounts, skid marks, and vehicle damage, since each collision can affect how the next one happened.
What typically triggers a chain-reaction crash?
These crashes often start with one vehicle stopping suddenly or striking something in the roadway, then other vehicles arriving too fast to react before the next impact.
How can drivers stay safer if traffic ahead suddenly slows or stops?
Leaving extra space between vehicles, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions, gives drivers more time to brake before becoming part of a pile-up.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Laurel, MD
If you're involved in a chain-reaction crash, try to move to a safe area away from traffic if your vehicle is drivable, and remember to turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming drivers. Call 911 even for what seems like minor damage, since injuries from these crashes aren't always obvious right away. Make sure to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible, and get the names of responding officers and any other agencies on scene. Keep records of any citations, reports, or photos from the scene, as these can matter later when sorting out what happened and who was involved.
