Tanker truck on I-81 in Maryland flips, spills ammonium nitrate, prompting evacuations

A tanker truck hauling ammonium nitrate crashed on I-81 in Maryland early Monday, temporarily shutting down the roadway and prompting the evacuation of nearby businesses, authorities said.

The crash happened shortly before 6:15 a.m. in the southbound lanes near Halfway Boulevard in Hagerstown, Maryland State Police said in a news release.

According to a preliminary investigation, a tire appeared to blow out of the truck, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road and smash through a guardrail before rolling over into an embankment.

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Police said about three gallons of ammonium nitrate spilled onto the road. As a precaution, nearby businesses within 1,500 feet of the scene were asked to evacuate.

The truck driver, identified as a 32-year-old Pennsylvania man, was rushed to Meritus Medical Center for treatment. No update on his condition was immediately provided, Fox 5 DC reports.

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Those evacuated from nearby businesses were allowed to return by 9:30 a.m., according to police. 

Northbound lanes were reopened by 8:50 a.m., though the southbound lanes of the interstate remained partially closed.

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Officials said the cause of the crash was still under investigation.