Photo by Skip Lawrence Two people died and several others were sent to area hospitals following a 40-vehicle crash on westbound I-70 near the bottom of South Mountain earlier today.

Medical personnel on the scene said both victims were female. Their names have not been released.

I-70 westbound remains closed in the area, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration. The crash scene is located near South Mountain. State police reports that approximately 35 passenger vehicles and five tractor trailers were involved in the collision.

Westbound traffic on I-70 is being detoured onto Md. 17 at exit 42 where traffic is being directed onto U.S. 40.

According to police, in addition to the two fatalities, numerous minor injuries connected to the collision have been reported.

Twelve people have been transported to Waynesboro Hospital in Pennsylvania, and an additional 60 people were transported to a Red Cross Shelter in Hagerstown to accommodate victims of the crash.

The collision was first reported at 12:30 p.m.

An inch-and-a-half of snow quickly fell around the same time of the crash and State Police spokeswoman Elena Russo says a preliminary investigation has found the snow was at least partly to blame for the crash.

Investigators with the Maryland State Police - Hagerstown Barrack, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, and CRASH Team are on site conducting the investigation into the circumstances contributing to the crash.

Beginning at noon today, the National Weather Service put a winter weather advisory into effect for most of the region. The area could see up to two inches of snow accumulation by early this evening, according to the NWS.

The westbound lanes of the highway will likely be closed at least through rush hour as crews clean up.

A snow emergency plan is in effect for both Frederick and Washington counties.

Check back to fredericknewspost.com for updates.

— — —

View Larger Map

Placement on map is approximate. The detour is outlined in blue.