Frederick, Maryland, tanker explosion, 1 dead; Disables part of US-15

FREDERICK, Maryland. – One person died in a major tanker accident and explosion in Frederick County on Saturday, sending a large plume of smoke into the air, causing traffic jams on U.S. Route 15.

The accident happened around 12:00 p.m. on U.S. Route 15 on Rosemont Avenue near Schley Avenue in Frederick, according to Frederick County fire officials.

They said they received several calls reporting a house fire, followed by more calls reporting a car explosion.

Officials confirmed that the tanker truck involved in the accident exploded on the spot after it crashed into a tree.

Firefighters said the tank was filled with a flammable liquid that investigators are working to identify.

The Maryland State Police later confirmed that the driver of the tanker truck had died in the crash. No other injuries or deaths have been reported.

According to the Maryland State Police, the flames caused by the explosion damaged six houses and five cars near the scene.

One of the houses located in the 500th block of Apple Avenue was seriously damaged, and the family who lived there was forced to leave their homes.

The explosion also started a small fire in the Route 15 corridor.

About 100 firefighters arrived at the scene to help put out the flames. The fire was extinguished 40 minutes after firefighters arrived at the scene.

Officials say the tankers leaked hazardous materials, but crews at the scene were able to quickly contain them before they reached Carroll Creek or Frederick’s sewer system.

They also state that after the explosion and fire, there is no danger to the public from hazardous materials, adding that the environmental impact of the incident will be constantly monitored.

As a result of the explosion, all lanes of US 15 between 50th Highway and 7th Street were blocked.

Officials later announced that the south lanes would reopen at 2:30 p.m., but the north side would be closed for several hours.

The cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained.

According to FOX 5’s Matthew Cappucci, the column of smoke rose to about 3,600 feet and was spotted by weather radar moving east from Frederick along I-70.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore released the following statement regarding the incident:

“My heart goes out to those affected by this tragedy in Frederick. I’m in touch with the Fitzwater County Executive, Mayor O’Connor, and the City of Frederick. Maryland Department of the Environment, State Police, State Fire Department. , and the Maryland Department of Transportation are at the scene of this tragic accident. We continue to closely monitor the situation.”

This is an evolving story. Stay with FOX 5 for updates.