This browser does not support the Video element.
Missing storm drain disabled cars on I-295
Horrifying images on the interstate in DC on Monday night after a car carrying a mother and her baby went up in flames and multiple cars were disabled on the side of I-295. FOX 5's Lindsay Watts has been working to learn more about exactly what happened.
WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - A storm drain missing its cover disabled multiple cars on I-295 in Southeast Monday night, including one with a woman and her one-year-old child in it that went up in flames.
Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather
Firefighters said the woman and her child were able to exit the burning car but had serious injuries.
A spokesperson for DDOT said the agency responded to reports about a "catch basin that ties into the storm drain system on 295. Catch basins are needed to protect the roads from flooding and to drain water."
In first responder and dispatcher radio traffic from Monday, someone says, "There’s a steel grate missing from the roadway causing accidents."
Someone else says: "MPD is reporting 16 disabled vehicles. There’s something in the roadway disabling vehicles."
The calls for service started coming in around 9:30 p.m. Monday.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman, child seriously injured after car fire on I-295
In the light of day Tuesday, the char from the burned car was visible as well as the work done by crews to cover the hole in the road.
DDOT tells FOX 5 that a crew was able to temporarily repair the catch basin.
"Additionally, our teams inspected all catch basins on 295 for added measures. Our team found no other structures requiring needed attention," the statement reads.
A spokesperson called what happened a "rarity" and said the investigation will continue into why the cover was off.
SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 5 DC ON YOUTUBE
The mother and child have not been identified. Police were unable to give an update on their condition Tuesday, but at last check, they were hospitalized with serious injuries.