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Vehicle crash causes hazardous gasses to be spilled on Route 27 in Mt. Airy

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Posted at 7:41 PM, Feb 22, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-22 19:41:19-05

MT. AIRY — A vehicle crash closed Route 27 in Mt. Airy after hazardous gasses spilled on the roadway.

Units from Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company were called for a vehicle collision involving a commercial stake body truck overturned carrying a mixed load of compressed gases, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice on Route 27 under the I-70 overpass.

When units arrived, they found a large stake body truck overturned with compressed gas cylinders spilled over the roadway and an active leak from a liquid tank as well as dry ice scattered over the scene.

A command was established and requested the Haz Mat team from Carroll County to the scene to help with the leaking cylinders and tanks. Route 27 was closed to all traffic as was I-70 over the scene.

The Haz Mat team determined that additional Haz Mat personnel would be needed to mitigate the situation. The Frederick County Haz Mat Team was requested to assist.

Once the teams were equipped and in place, a recon was done and determined that several gas cylinders and the liquid tank were compromised in various ways.

Materials involved included Oxygen, Acetylene, Nitrogen, Liquid nitrogen, and dry ice.

The air was monitored to be sure no explosive mixtures occurred and ignition devices were removed from the area. The Haz Mat teams were able to investigate and mitigate the immediate hazards at the scene.

The company that owned the truck will handle the removal of the cylinders and materials spilled. Units cleared the scene at about 1:45 p.m.

Assistance was received from the State Highway Administration, Maryland department of the Environment, and the Maryland State Police.