Leitersburg Pike closure expected through Saturday for cleanup of wrecked propane tanker
LEITERSBURG — A section of Leitersburg Pike was expected to remain closed through Saturday as efforts continued to empty and remove a propane tank truck that had overturned there, authorities said.
The road has been closed between Clopper and Lehman's Mill roads since the crash occurred Wednesday afternoon. A Washington County 911 supervisor said Friday morning that detour routes are clearly marked with signs placed by the Maryland State Highway Administration.
A statement posted on Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Co.’s Facebook page Thursday said that the truck must be empty before it can be righted and removed. Also, the utility pole stuck between the cab and tank must be stabilized, and towing and recovery efforts will require coordinated work during daylight.
Three flares were operating to burn off the fuel vapors and empty the tank, according to the statement.
“It’s just a slow process, so your continued patience is appreciated,” the statement said.
A post Friday said the gas was expected to continue to burn through the day. Warm temperatures were expected to increase the pressure in the tank to make the it vaporize and burn more quickly, but the process was still expected to take the better part of the day.
Previously: Leitersburg Pike could be closed into Friday until overturned tanker is emptied, removed
Overhead power lines will have to be disconnected while the truck is removed, likely causing outages to residents in the area. However, the work cannot be done until the tank is empty, Friday's post said.
Leitersburg Pike would remain closed until the entire operation, including removal of the wreckage, is completed, Thursday's statement said.
“This is absolutely the safest way to mitigate this incident,” the statement reads. “Currently, there is no anticipated danger to the area provided the area remains clear.
“We can’t stress enough, the road is closed to prevent secondary accidents which are more likely to occur than any issue with the current situation.”
The AC&T truck crashed in front of Antietam Tractor & Equipment.
A Maryland State Police spokesman said Wednesday evening that it was not clear what caused the truck to hit the utility pole.
The driver, Wayne Edward Doyle Jr., 37, of Hagerstown, was taken to Meritus Medical Center, but it appeared that he did not have serious injuries, the spokesman said.
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Firefighters sprayed water on the leaking tank to suppress the vapors and prevent an explosion Wednesday afternoon. With no fire hydrants nearby, water was provided by tanker trucks being filled at a hydrant at Leitersburg Pike and Longmeadow road, Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Co. Lt. James Ulrich said.
The company’s Thursday statement said that the spraying operation could resume if warming temperatures warrant it.
Leitersburg Pike, also known as Md. 60, becomes Pa. 316 at the Mason-Dixon Line on the way to Waynesboro, Pa.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Leitersburg Pike closed through Saturday as cleanup efforts continue
