Rockville, MD (March 18, 2026) – A crash involving a passenger train and a van caused traffic disruptions in Rockville on Tuesday afternoon, March 17. The incident was reported around 4:10 p.m. near the intersection of Nebel Street and Randolph Road.
According to initial information, the van was on the railroad crossing when it was struck by a MARC passenger train. The impact led to the closure of Nebel Street at Randolph Road as emergency units responded and worked to secure the area.
No injuries have been reported at this time. Additional details about how the van came to be on the tracks have not been released. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those affected.
Why Train and Vehicle Crashes Often Lead to Road Closures
When a train collides with a vehicle at a crossing, nearby roads are often closed to allow crews to assess the scene safely. Trains require long distances to come to a complete stop, which can make these incidents especially disruptive, even when injuries are not reported.
Rail crossings are designed with signals and barriers to alert drivers, but vehicles may still become stuck or attempt to cross at the wrong time. When a crash occurs, responders focus on clearing the tracks, checking for damage, and ensuring rail traffic can resume safely.
Even minor damage can delay both train schedules and road traffic. Inspections of the crossing equipment and surrounding roadway may also be needed before the area is reopened.
