The driver who died in a lethal tanker truck crash final weekend in Frederick County was from Smithsburg and formerly lived in Hagerstown.
Maryland Point out Police introduced the man’s identity, Ronald Leroy Heiston Jr., 58, of Smithsburg, on Friday.
Heiston died pursuing the tanker crash that occurred soon ahead of midday on Saturday, March 4, on U.S. 15 north, about a 50 percent-mile north of Rosemont Avenue in Frederick, Md., in accordance to point out police.
The state law enforcement crash group is leading the crash investigation, in accordance to a point out police news launch.
Much more police news:Law enforcement: Driver crashes into sheriff’s workplace SUV in front of Circuit Courtroom in Hagerstown
How did the tanker explosion come about?
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 still left the suitable side of the street, strike a tree and caught hearth, state law enforcement explained.
State law enforcement have not but identified why the truck went off the highway.
Heiston was pronounced dead at the scene and his physique was taken to the main clinical examiner’s business in Baltimore, wherever he was positively identified.
No other accidents or fatalities had been described as a outcome of the crash or fires that unfold and ruined 6 properties and 5 cars, in accordance to condition police.
The crash closed a part of U.S. 15 for hours.
Wherever in Hagerstown did Heiston go to high university?
Heiston was born in Hagerstown, in accordance to his on line obituary with Relaxation Haven Funeral Residence and Cemetery. Heiston graduated from South Hagerstown High and attended Hagerstown Community College or university.
His obituary states he presented for his family members as a truck driver for CLI Transportation.
The subsequent assertion from CLI Transport President John Tippery was supplied by way of a media representative for Sheetz:
“On Saturday, March 4th, a CLI Transport fuel truck was included in a one motor vehicle accident on U.S. Route 15 in Frederick, Maryland. We are saddened to report the incident was lethal to the driver and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and beloved types. CLI Transportation is the committed gasoline hauler for Sheetz, Inc. and the truck was carrying product destined for a area Sheetz site. The incident resulted in an explosion, creating hurt to close by properties and autos. Fortunately, no other injuries or fatalities occurred. We, alongside with Sheetz, are doing the job closely with area officers and corporations to deliver guidance to the community impacted. The two CLI Transport and Sheetz are totally cooperating with point out law enforcement who are investigating this accident as nicely as operating carefully with the Maryland Office of the Environment and neighborhood officials to assure a safe and sound and environmentally responsible thoroughly clean up.
“We are deeply appreciative for the swift reaction of the Frederick County Division of Hearth and Rescue Companies as perfectly as all local officials. Our hearts go out to all individuals affected by this tragedy.”
Was there any environmental hurt in Frederick?
The Town of Frederick issued a assertion Tuesday that further more evaluation ongoing to display no hurt to Carroll Creek or the city’s sewer system from the incident.
Gasoline entered “minimal sections of storm drain and culverts” amongst the accident scene and Baker Park, the metropolis release states. All those locations will be cleaned and inspected through the remediation system.
“There stays no risk to the general public or to residences as the gasoline was localized only to a smaller spot all around Baker Park,” in accordance to the city’s assertion.
Apple Avenue, exactly where there was important fire problems, will be closed for an prolonged period of time so employees can do the job, the launch states.
Workers are changing contaminated soil and conducting extra exams.