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Driver dies in Frederick County tanker explosion

Tanker Explosion on US 15 at Rosemont Avenue
Tankard Explosion
Tanker explosion in Frederick, MD.
Posted at 12:52 PM, Mar 04, 2023
and last updated 2023-03-06 07:29:16-05

FREDERICK COUNTY — Maryland State police are investigating the cause of a tanker explosion that killed one driver Saturday in Frederick County.

In a press conference, police said that shortly before noon, troopers from the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack responded to US-15 North, approximately a half mile north of Rosemont Avenue, for a report of a tanker truck that crashed into a tree and caught fire.

Tanker explosion in Frederick, MD.
Tanker explosion in Frederick, MD.

A preliminary investigation revealed that fire had extended to three homes and three cars in the 500 block of Apple Avenue.

Police say that material inside the tanker poses no threat to the community.

In a release from Frederick County Fire and Rescue, PIO Sarah Campbell says that despite the hazardous material being contained before reaching Carroll Creek, some suppression foam is visible in the creek.

"...we are working with the Frederick City Department of Public Works to remove that material, said Campbell."It took fire crews 40 minutes to get the blaze under control, said Campbell.

As of right now, US-15 southbound has been open between Rt. 40 and West 7th Street. US-15 northbound remains closed for cleanup, according to police.

Video courtesy of Michelle Rena: