LOTHIAN, Anne Arundel County, Md., Oct. 13, 2026 — One person was flown to a hospital after a three-vehicle crash early on Sunday morning, October 11, at Mount Zion Marlboro Road and Sollers Lane in Lothian, according to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
Crews were dispatched just after midnight to a reported vehicle collision with entrapment. The call drew a working-incident response along with mutual aid from Calvert County and Prince George's County fire departments.
At least one patient was classified as a Category C patient, a designation used for those with serious injuries, and rescuers requested a possible medical helicopter shortly after arriving. A Maryland State Police medevac helicopter was reported en route within minutes of that request.
Details on the other occupants involved, the extent of damage, and what led to the crash have not been released. The crash remains under investigation, and no additional information on charges or cause has been made public.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
What Multi-Vehicle Pileups Look Like in the Numbers
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure includes pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of motorcycles and other non-passenger vehicles, and it points to how often multi-vehicle crashes involve more than just the drivers and passengers of cars and SUVs.
Crashes involving three or more vehicles often start with a single collision that blocks a lane or forces sudden braking, then draws in vehicles that can't stop in time. Extrication, where rescue crews have to free a trapped occupant from a damaged vehicle, is more common in these multi-vehicle events because of the added force and crush involved when several vehicles collide in sequence.
Rural and semi-rural roads, like the intersection where this crash happened, can see impacts at higher speeds than crowded urban corridors, which raises the likelihood that a secondary or tertiary vehicle in a chain-reaction crash will suffer serious damage even if the initial collision was minor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do chain-reaction crashes happen?
They typically begin with one vehicle slowing, stopping, or losing control, often at an intersection or during poor visibility, and then other drivers following too closely or reacting late collide with it or with each other.
How can drivers avoid being caught in a pile-up?
Keeping extra following distance, slowing early when brake lights appear ahead, and staying alert for stopped traffic around curves or intersections can reduce the chance of being pulled into a chain-reaction crash.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on the highway?
Turn on hazard lights, stay in the vehicle if it's safe to do so, and move as far from traffic lanes as possible. Only approach the scene if it's safe and you're not blocking emergency responders.
How does fog or low visibility contribute to pile-ups?
Reduced visibility shortens the time drivers have to react to slowing or stopped traffic, which can turn a single crash into a multi-vehicle collision as following vehicles arrive too fast to stop safely.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Lothian, Maryland
If you're involved in or witness a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since injuries from a multi-vehicle collision aren't always obvious right after impact.
Exchange information with other drivers when it's safe, and take photos of the scene and vehicle positions if you're able to do so without putting yourself at risk. File a police report and keep a copy for your own records. Reach out to your insurance company promptly, and follow up with medical care if symptoms like pain, stiffness, or headaches appear in the days afterward.
