Prince George’s Co, MD (February 16, 2026) – Four people were hospitalized on Sunday afternoon following a multi-vehicle crash involving a tanker truck at Crain Hwy and Old Central Ave in Bowie, according to Maryland State Police.
Troopers and fire crews responded to the intersection at approximately 2:16 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious collision. Upon arrival, responders located multiple damaged vehicles, including a tanker truck. Hazardous materials units were dispatched to secure the contents of the tanker as a precaution.
Authorities said the force of the crash ejected a young man from one of the vehicles. He remains hospitalized in critical condition. A young girl and a woman were also taken to the hospital. The girl was reported to have sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The tanker truck driver was transported for evaluation.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Maryland State Police.
Key Details
- Location: Crain Hwy & Old Central Ave, Bowie
- Reported: February 15, 2026, at 2:16 p.m.
- Type: Multi-vehicle crash involving tanker truck
- Injuries: Four hospitalized; one in critical condition
- Response: Hazmat units dispatched to secure the tanker
What We Know So Far
- The crash involved multiple vehicles, including a tanker truck.
- A young man was ejected and remains in critical condition.
- A young girl, a woman, and the truck driver were transported for medical care.
- Hazmat crews secured the tanker’s contents as a safety measure.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The sequence of events leading to the collision
- How many total vehicles were involved
- Whether any charges or citations will be issued
Local Context
Interchanges and major intersections such as Crain Hwy and Old Central Ave carry steady regional traffic and commercial vehicles throughout the day. In Prince George’s County, crashes involving tanker trucks often require additional safety protocols, including hazmat response and traffic control, to reduce the risk of secondary incidents while patients are treated and vehicles are cleared.
What to Do Next
- Remain at the scene and follow instructions from law enforcement and fire personnel.
- Keep a safe distance from traffic lanes and any hazmat operations.
- Take photos of vehicle damage and roadway layout if it is safe to do so.
- Monitor symptoms later and seek medical care if anything changes.
FAQ
Q: Why might early reports change as investigations continue?
A: Initial information is often based on what responders observe upon arrival. As investigators review evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the crash, details may be updated or clarified.
Q: Why are tanker truck crashes treated with extra caution?
A: Tanker trucks may carry fuel or other hazardous materials. Even if no leak is immediately visible, hazmat teams are typically called to secure the scene and prevent potential environmental or fire hazards.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means law enforcement is reviewing evidence, documenting the scene, and working to determine the factors that contributed to the collision.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
