Fairfax County Police Department News

Police responded to a critical injury crash on eastbound Georgetown Pike near Old Dominion Drive at around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, March 19.

The driver and four passengers were all injured after a deer reportedly stepped into the path of their vehicle. The driver swerved to avoid the deer and lost control of the 2007 Honda Civic he was driving. The vehicle struck a fence, a tree, a utility pole and then came to rest on its side in the woods near the roadway. One person, who suffered the most serious injuries, was still in the vehicle as it burst into flames. A passer-by helped extricate the woman from the car.

The 26-year-old driver, from Washington, DC and his front seat passenger, 24,  have been treated and released from the hospital. Three of the back seat passengers, all 19-year-old females from DC, remain hospitalized. Two are in life-threatening condition. One of the women was flown via Fairfax One to the Washington Burn Center. Others have broken bones and other injuries. Detectives are investigating whether or not seat belts were in use at the time of the crash.

Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives believe speed was a partial factor in the severity of the crash. They do not believe alcohol was a factor. No charges have been placed yet; the crash remains under investigation.

Deer-vehicle collisions are a serious concern in Fairfax County. For information, see http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/animals/wildlife/management/deer-vehicle-collisions.htm.