A look at the fire, now extinguished, on the Wilson Bridge. (Photo courtesy of @TheCoachGator)

A look at the fire, now extinguished, on the Wilson Bridge. (Photo courtesy of @TheCoachGator)

A multi-vehicle collision involving a boom truck and fire on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge proved fatal on Wednesday morning, as large columns of dark smoke were visible over the Potomac River.

One person is dead after the crash, and three workers were initially stranded under the bridge, though the workers have since been rescued, according to Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Spokesperson Mark Brady. The fire is now extinguished.

Prince George’s County Fire is heading up the response effort, though other jurisdictions are assisting. D.C. Fire and EMS is providing fireboats, which, per the agency, “are working to help contain fuel spillage into the river below.”

The Beltway was initially shut down in both directions following the crash, which occurred around 11 a.m. That changed around noon, according to Maryland State Police. Southbound lanes are reopening as will local northbound lanes, though main northbound lanes will remain closed.

Officials suggest using alternate routes.

The closures have also led to MetroBus delays of up to 40 minutes on the NH2 route, which travels over the Wilson Bridge, per WMATA.

Water vessels are prohibited from being within 100 yards of the bridge, per the Coast Guard.

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