MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Huge clouds of black smoke, ash, and embers engulf Maryland sky after massive gas tanker explodes into FIREBALL

The gas tanker reportedly overturned near Apple Road, causing at least 'some of the fuel load to leave the road and spill into storm drains'

FREDERICK, MARYLAND: A gas tanker that had flipped over in Frederick, Maryland, exploded into a huge fireball, killing the driver and setting nearby houses and cars on fire. Hazmat teams and emergency personnel both rushed to the scene due to reports of a "burning smell" permeating the area.

Large clouds of black smoke, ash, and embers can be seen rising from the accident site in a video taken by locals, some of whom can be seen staring nearby the enormous fire. According to Maryland State Police, the tanker's driver died in the collision, which happened on Route 15 in Maryland. There were no other fatalities or injuries immediately reported, as per Daily Mail.

READ MORE

CHILLING video shows Evansville house exploding leaving 3 dead as ATF probe launched

Fireball lights up sky over Ohio, Internet says it's ‘God’s commentary on proceedings in Cleveland last night’

'Multiple vehicles and homes suffered damage'

According to a tweet from MDSP, the highway was blocked between Route 50 and 7th Street. The site of "what appears to be a tanker explosion" was also attended by members of Frederick's Division of Fire & Rescue Services (DFRS), according to Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor in a Facebook post.

The mayor has asked people to stay away from the area, but a video that has been going viral on social media shows people being drawn into the tragic incident like a magnet, with some people being seen standing just inches from the fire. The MDSP said in a tweet, "Multiple vehicles and homes suffered damage from flames from the fire caused by the overturned tanker."

The gas tanker reportedly overturned near Apple Road, causing at least "some of the fuel load to leave the road and spill into storm drains," according to Atlas news. While a hazmat cordon is being set up to control the fuel spill, emergency personnel appear to be making headway in putting out the fuel fire. Emergency agencies are on the scene, but it is unclear what started the fire. On I-15, at least one other car was destroyed, and major traffic delays have been reported after both sides of the interstate were closed.

'It is being investigated'

The precise sequence of events that led to the crash is being investigated, according to authorities. Officials are also trying to figure out what the tanker was carrying, though Coe said it was likely a frequently transported volatile liquid like gasoline or diesel fuel that poses no danger to the general public. He added that workers would be keeping an eye on the air quality while isolating the area where the liquid-soaked dirt was located. Neither the city's sewage system nor a neighboring creek, according to officials, were breached, reports Associated Press.

'So sad every corner of the USA is being covered with toxins'

Meanwhile, the internet quickly reacted to the shocking videos. A user said, "The tanker in Frederick contained gasoline! It was a Sheetz gasoline truck." Another user wrote, "All these crashes, isn't normal. No coincidence." "So sad every corner of the USA is being covered with toxin's can anyone do anything about it?" another use remarked. One user claimed, "There is something seriously wrong happening in the USA." "Guess these explosions are just an everyday thing now?" remarked another user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.