Frederick, Maryland, tanker explosion, one person killed

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.

According to firefighters, the tanker was filled with a flammable liquid that investigators believe was gasoline or diesel fuel.

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 there is no dangerous material risk to the public after the explosion and fire, adding that the environmental impact of the incident will be constantly monitored.

The Maryland Department of the Environment released the following statement for FOX 5 regarding the cleanup efforts:

“The Maryland Department of the Environment Emergency Response Team received a call regarding this incident around 12:20 p.m. Saturday. Five MDE divisions responded. Yesterday MDE arranged for a contractor with vacuum trucks to respond to the incident. One of the trucks took the product (mixture with fire-fighting foam and water) from the wreck of the tanker. It was completed last night. The leaked product was contained, with no indication that it had reached Carroll Creek. There are two storm drains near the incident site. Flush the storm sewer system to remove product residue. We also anticipate that the site will require soil cleanup. MDE will continue to monitor and monitor the progress of the recovery efforts.”

As a result of the explosion, all lanes of US 15 between Rt 50 and 7th Street were closed after the accident. Both sides of the road have since been reopened.

The cause of the crash is still being investigated by the Maryland State Police.

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.