Family Hospitalized After Car Accident, Rain and Mechanical Problems Blamed

A late-night crash that sent two people to the hospital and resulted in the closure of part of the Franconia-Springfield Parkway for hours is being blamed on rain and mechanical problems.

Around 8:58 p.m. in Springfield, police say, a family in a Honda was trying to cross from Stream Way, across the westbound side of the Franconia-Springfield Parkway, and into the eastbound lanes. While the car was in the middle of the westbound lane, mechanical problems caused it to die, stopping the car and turning off its lights.

Due to the heavy rain and lack of lights, cars traveling west had difficulty seeing the Honda. One car avoided hitting it, but a second car, a Lexus, T-boned the Honda, sending the Lexus spinning, according to Fairfax County Police Department Lieutenant David Plaska.

Two members of the family in the Honda were transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital in serious condition, Plaska said. No one in the Lexus was injured.

In order to the preserve the crash site, police closed the Franconia-Springfield Parkway between Whittlers Creek Drive and Bonniemill Lane. FCPD Captain Purvis Dawson estimated the road would be reopened around 2 or 3 a.m.

This story initially included an incorrect name for FCPD Captain Purvis Dawson. We apologize for the error.