A jackknifed tractor-trailer closed two lanes of the Inner Loop of the Beltway in McLean, Va., Wednesday.
Emergency crews were called to the scene near the American Legion Bridge around 11 a.m.
The driver of a Ford Explorer, 40-year-old Nakatoke Kapingiri of Washington, lost control when he swerved to avoid a cardboard box, police said. The Explorer bounced off a jersey wall and skidded across the northbound lanes. The tractor-trailer, driven by an unidentified Kentucky man, jackknifed attempting to dodge the Explorer.
Kapingiri was flown to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police charged him with failing to maintain control of his vehicle.
The tractor-trailer driver suffered minor injuries.
All northbound lanes reopened by 12:50 p.m.
