FREDERICK, Md. — Maryland's Department of the Environment is monitoring the environmental impacts of a gas tanker crash that left one person dead on U.S. Route 15 in Frederick.
The crash happened when the tanker overturned while hauling "flammable liquid" and exploded, sending heavy smoke and flames into the air. The driver was killed in the crash, according to officials.
Following the crash, The City of Frederick partnered with the county while the Department of Environment monitored the ramifications of the crash.
Residents may see workers in the area of the crash site for weeks and crews test and address potentially contaminated soil as necessary. Workers will need to remove the contaminated soils and replace them with clean soil.
Officials say the crash did no damage to Carroll Creek or the City's sanitary sewer system. Fuel from the tanker truck did get into limited sections of storm drains and culverts between the crash site and Baker Park. Those sections will be cleaned and inspected.
There appears to be no threat to the public or to homes in the area as the fuel was localized to a small area of Baker Park.
A significant amount of fire damage happened on Apple Avenue. The area will remain closed for an extended amount of time as crews continue to work.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.