UPDATE 7: Police have identified the two drivers and six victims from this crash.

UPDATE 6: Maryland State Police have released additional information on this fatal crash here.

UPDATE 5: Some lanes are beginning to reopen on I-695 as of 3:45 p.m.

UPDATE 4: County Executive Johnny Olszewski has issued the following statement:

“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.”

UPDATE 3: At least six people have died in the crash.  The accident occurred in a construction zone and multiple construction workers were struck, according to the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department.  One vehicle overturned completely and was on fire.

UPDATE 2: Baltimore County Public Schools officials have issued the following statement regarding afternoon dismissals:

“This message is to inform you that we are preparing for significant traffic delays this afternoon due to a serious accident that is impacting I-695 near Security Boulevard and I-70. Motorists should avoid the impacted areas, and we believe bus transportation will be impacted as well. We will work as quickly as possible to transport students safely this afternoon.”

UPDATE: Initial reports now indicate there may be as many as six fatalities and one critical patient.  The inner loop has been shut down at Exit 17/Security Boulevard.  The outer loop has been shut down at Exit 16/I-70. The Baltimore County Fire Department calls the crash “extremely serious.”

Original story below…

WOODLAWN, MD—Crews are on the scene of a fatal, Wednesday afternoon crash in Baltimore County.

The crash was reported at just before 1 p.m. on the west side of the Baltimore Beltway between the I-70 and Security Boulevard exits.

Initial reports indicate that there may be as many as five fatalities in the crash.  One person is being rescued at this time.

Both the inner and outer loops have been shut down.

Motorists should avoid the area.