May 18—FRACKVILLE — A truck carrying explosive materials and blasting caps crashed in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 just north of the Frackville exit around 5:50 a.m. Thursday.

Ryan Twp. Fire Company Deputy Chief Matt Morgan said the driver, who was able to exit from the vehicle on his own, was evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel and later declined medical treatment.

Morgan said the truck driver was traveling north in the area of mile marker 125.6 and hauling explosives from the Tremont area when he lost control, causing the vehicle to roll onto its passenger's side.

Morgan said a minor amount of material leaked from the truck.

State police at Frackville said later Thursday that the accident occurred when the truck's right front tire blew out.

The crash closed the highway's right lane for several hours; the passing lane remained open.

Firefighters from Ryan Twp., Frackville and Englewood responded, but they were released shortly after arriving.

Morgan said Ryan Twp. firefighters remained at the scene for fire protection while the vehicle was removed.

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