Water main break closes Capital Beltway in Md.

LARGO, Md. (AP) — A water main break outside Washington, D.C., has sent water pouring from a 54-inch pipe, prompting the closure of the inner loop of the Capital Beltway in Maryland and snarling morning traffic.

Authorities say the pipe ruptured this morning and closed all southbound lanes of Interstate 95 by 5 a.m. Officials say it could be closed several hours.

Police say some vehicles were stuck in the water, but no one was in them.

Water was pouring from the broken pipe and freezing on the highway, creating a sheet of ice. Authorities tell WRC-TV the water was as high as three feet against some highway guard rails.

Lyn Riggins, a spokeswoman for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, says the pipe was a major distribution main.