Tanker explosion in Frederick, Maryland kills 1
FEDERICO, Maryland. – One person died in a serious accident and tanker truck explosion in Frederick County on Saturday, sending a large plume of smoke into the air and calling for reinforcements on U.S. Route 15.
The accident happened around 00:00 on U.S. Route 15 on Rosemont Avenue near Schley Avenue in Frederick, according to Frederick County Fire Department officials.
They said there were more 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 tanker’s driver 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 and extinguished the flames. The fire was extinguished approximately 40 minutes after firefighters arrived on the scene.
Officials say the tankers leaked some 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, and add that the impact of the accident on the environment 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 about this incident at approximately 12:20 p.m. Saturday. Five MDE units responded. Yesterday, MDE brought in a contractor with vacuum trucks to clean up the aftermath of the incident. One of the trucks removed the product (mixed with fire extinguishing foam and water) from the remains of the tank truck. The whole thing was completed last night. The spilled product was contained and there is no indication that it reached Carroll Creek. There are two drains near the crash site. MDE was in charge of flushing the storm sewer system to remove product residue. We also anticipate that ground clearance will be required at the site of the accident. MDE will continue to monitor and control the progress of the repair.”
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 reached a height of about 3,600 feet and was picked up by weather radar as it moved east of 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. The Maryland Department of the Environment, the State Police, the State Fire Department and the Maryland Department of Transportation are at the scene of this tragic incident. We continue to closely monitor the situation.”
This is an evolving story. Stay with FOX 5 for updates.
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