6 killed after work zone car crash on Baltimore Beltway, police say

Six people were killed after a car crashed into a work zone on I-695 in Baltimore County on Wednesday afternoon, Maryland State Police confirmed. 

According to Maryland State Police, the driver of a grey Acura, identified as Adrienna Lea, 54, of Randallstown, tried to change lanes around 12:40 p.m. While switching lanes, the Acura hit the front corner panel on the passenger side of a Volkswagon, which had stopped on the road because it was disabled, police said. 

This caused Lea to lose control, police said. The car then drove between temporary barriers, striking multiple construction workers before overturning, according to a preliminary investigation. 

Lea survived and was taken to a local trauma center where she was being treated as of Wednesday night, police said. Police said nobody else was in the car at the time of the crash.

The driver of the Volkswagen was identified by state police as Melachi Brown, 20, of Windsor Mill. Police said he did not report any injuries.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is investigating the crash. Victim identification is pending next of kin notification. 

Motorists were advised to avoid the area as certain lanes on the I-695 prior to Exit 17 remain closed, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation. 

"I am praying for the family," Bridget Brown, whose son was on the highway during the wreck, told CBS Baltimore. "My son was only a few cars back. It could have been my son. I just thank God it is not him."

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski offered his condolences to those involved in the deadly accident. 

"On behalf of all the residents of Baltimore County, we offer our sincere condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in today's tragic crash and my prayers remain with those injured in this horrific incident," he tweeted.