Driver who died in Frederick, MD tanker truck crash was from Smithsburg

The driver who died in a fatal tanker truck crash last weekend in Frederick County was from Smithsburg and previously lived in Hagerstown.

Maryland State Police released the man's identity, Ronald Leroy Heiston Jr., 58, of Smithsburg, on Friday.

Heiston died following the tanker crash that occurred shortly before noon on Saturday, March 4, on U.S. 15 north, about a half-mile north of Rosemont Avenue in Frederick, Md., according to state police.

The state police crash team is leading the crash investigation, according to a state police news release.

More police news:Police: Driver crashes into sheriff's office SUV in front of Circuit Court in Hagerstown

How did the tanker explosion occur?

According to the state police's preliminary investigation, Heiston was driving the truck from Manassas, Va., to Taneytown, Md., which is in northern Carroll County.

The truck carrying about 8,650 gallons of gasoline left the right side of the road, hit a tree and caught fire, state police said.

State police have not yet determined why the truck went off the highway.

Heiston was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to the chief medical examiner's office in Baltimore, where he was positively identified.

No other injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the crash or fires that spread and damaged six homes and five vehicles, according to state police.

The crash closed a portion of U.S. 15 for hours.

Where in Hagerstown did Heiston go to high school?

Heiston was born in Hagerstown, according to his online obituary with Rest Haven Funeral Home and Cemetery. Heiston graduated from South Hagerstown High and attended Hagerstown Community College.

His obituary states he provided for his family as a truck driver for CLI Transport.

The following statement from CLI Transport President John Tippery was provided through a media representative for Sheetz:

"On Saturday, March 4th, a CLI Transport fuel truck was involved in a single vehicle accident on U.S. Route 15 in Frederick, Maryland. We are saddened to report the accident was fatal to the driver and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. CLI Transport is the dedicated fuel hauler for Sheetz, Inc. and the truck was carrying product destined for a local Sheetz location. The accident resulted in an explosion, causing damage to nearby homes and cars. Thankfully, no other injuries or fatalities occurred. We, along with Sheetz, are working closely with local officials and organizations to provide assistance to the community impacted. Both CLI Transport and Sheetz are fully cooperating with state police who are investigating this accident as well as working closely with the Maryland Department of the Environment and local officials to ensure a safe and environmentally responsible clean up.

"We are deeply appreciative for the swift response of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services as well as all local officials. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy."

Was there any environmental damage in Frederick?

The City of Frederick issued a statement Tuesday that further examination continued to show no damage to Carroll Creek or the city's sewer system from the incident.

Fuel entered "limited sections of storm drain and culverts" between the accident scene and Baker Park, the city release states. Those areas will be cleaned and inspected during the remediation process.

"There remains no threat to the public or to residences as the fuel was localized only to a small area around Baker Park," according to the city's statement.

Apple Avenue, where there was significant fire damage, will be closed for an extended period so staff can work, the release states.

Workers are replacing contaminated soil and conducting additional tests.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Driver killed in Maryland tanker truck crash had ties to Hagerstown