TANKER COLLISION WITH FUEL SPILL IN CARROLL CO.

(Westminster, MD) – Troopers from the Westminster Barrack, along with several other state and local agencies are currently investigating a traffic collision involving a loaded diesel tanker and a passenger vehicle on Route 140 in Westminster.

Shortly after 12:00 p.m. today, state troopers, along with members of the Reese & Westminster volunteer fire companies, responded to the intersection of Maryland Route 140 @ Bethel Road, Westminster, Carroll County for the collision. Upon their arrival, first responders noticed a fuel tanker on its side in the parking lot of the Royal Farms Store which is located on Rt. 140 at Bethel Road. The tanker was actively spilling diesel fuel onto the parking lot. The fuel tanker was partially loaded with 8,000 gallons of fuel.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the fuel tanker, owned by Bosley Oil Incorporated out of Westminster, was travelling west on Rt. 140 through the intersection at Bethel Road when a Buick passenger vehicle, driven by Carl F. Frock Jr., 79, of Westminster, made a left turn in front of it. The operator of the fuel tanker, Richard Donald Eckard, 62, of Taneytown, MD, was unable to avoid striking the Buick by steering to the right. The fuel tanker subsequently went off the roadway into the parking lot of the Royal Farms Store and turned on its side.

The fuel tanker struck a large sign in the parking lot which pierced the front chamber of the fuel tanker holding the approximately 8,000 gallons of fuel. The fuel did spill into a drainage system to the rear of the Royal Farm Store. The Buick came to rest in the middle of Route 140 and no other vehicles were involved. Fortunately, the fuel tanker missed the active gas and diesel fuel pumps at the store and a propane hauler that was parked in the lot.

Members of the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) emergency response team are currently on the scene and addressing the spill and environmental concerns in the area. Maryland Route 140 was closed for two hours and area businesses were evacuated by first responders until the area was deemed safe. Troopers were also assisted by deputies with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and personnel from the Maryland State Highway Administration and Carroll County Roads Department.

The operators of both vehicles were transported by ground to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma in Baltimore. Their conditions at this time are unknown. MDE and state troopers will remain at the scene for several hours until the tanker can be up righted and removed. Once removed, members of the Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will conduct a full inspection of the tanker.

Troopers are still conducting their investigation to determine who was at fault. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Trooper Granville Fairbanks at 410-386-3000.