Tragedy struck early Friday morning on I-270 when a man was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer in Gaithersburg, causing major traffic disruptions during the morning commute. The incident occurred around 5:40 a.m. in the northbound lanes between Exit 8 and Exit 9, as confirmed by the Maryland State Police. The unidentified pedestrian stepped onto the road and was hit, resulting in his death at the scene, according to a report from DC News Now.

The aftermath of the crash saw the closure of local lanes on Northbound I-270, stretching from Exit 8 to Exit 9. Commuters were advised to anticipate significant delays through the area. The Maryland State Police have launched an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision firmly.

Morning travelers were forced to seek alternative routes, leading to widespread traffic delays. Sections of I-270 were blocked off to facilitate emergency response and investigation efforts. Local news outlets were quick to report on the incident, with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service stating that the person involved sustained life-threatening injuries before being pronounced dead on the scene, according to an account from WJLA.

As of 6:20 a.m., authorities had shut down all northbound local lanes, urging drivers to use the main lanes or find alternate routes. The Maryland State Police continue to seek to investigate the event thoroughly and have not released further details at this time. The identity of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.