Tragedy struck Frederick County this afternoon, as a violent traffic collision claimed the lives of two individuals and left several others injured, Maryland State Police confirmed. The incident occurred near Exit 62 on I-70, just outside of New Market, and involved a catastrophic sequence of events that began when a BMW SUV rear-ended a box truck, ultimately leading to a multi-vehicle crash and fire.

According to the official report from the Maryland State Police , the deceased victims were passengers in the box truck. They were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical service personnel. Identities are currently withheld pending notification of kin. The crash occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m., when the westbound BMW SUV collided with the box truck, veering into the oncoming lane, striking a tractor-trailer traveling eastbound. The immense impact sent larger vehicles off the road and into flames in the nearby woods.

As a result of the crash, the drivers of the box truck, and the tractor trailer were airlifted to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for treatment, their conditions have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, the BMW driver declined medical attention at the scene, and two other passengers were taken to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown by ground transport. Their status has not been made public at this time.