Wrong-Way Collision on I-270 Claims Two Lives in Bethesda

Maryland State Police reported that a head-on crash occurred on the southbound lanes of I-270 near Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda, Maryland, after a Ford Mustang entered the roadway traveling in the wrong direction. The Mustang struck a Toyota sedan traveling the correct way. The crash left two occupants of the Toyota—Shamima Begum, 46, and her daughter Areebah Jahin, 23—dead at the scene. The driver of the Mustang, 32-year-old Jose Nolasco, and an 8-year-old passenger in his vehicle were transported to local hospitals with injuries of unspecified severity. Police indicated that impairment, likely due to alcohol, may have contributed to the incident.

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Investigators charged Nolasco with gross negligent manslaughter, homicide by motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, and life-threatening injury by motor vehicle. After receiving medical treatment, Nolasco was released from the hospital and transferred to the Montgomery County Detention Center, where he is scheduled to appear before a court commissioner.

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The crash prompted the closure of the affected I-270 lanes for approximately five hours while police conducted their investigation and cleared the scene. State troopers arrived at the location around 6:46 p.m. after receiving the crash report.

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Maryland State Police emphasized that the investigation remains active, with officials noting that impairment is a suspected factor but that the full circumstances have yet to be determined. No further details about the condition of the surviving passengers have been released.

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Nolasco’s upcoming court appearance will address the pending charges. Authorities have not announced any additional safety measures or policy changes related to wrong-way driving on the highway. The investigation will continue to ascertain the precise cause of the driver’s reversal onto the opposite lane.

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