Tanker truck carrying ammonium nitrate overturns in Hagerstown; businesses in area evacuated

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Authorities say a tanker truck carrying ammonium nitrate overturned in Hagerstown Monday morning prompting the evacuation of nearby businesses.

The crash happened around 6:15 a.m. along southbound Interstate 81 north of Halfway Boulevard.  Investigators say a truck tire blew out causing the vehicle to swerve off the roadway, through the guardrail, and down an embankment. About three gallons of the ammonium nitrate spilled onto the roadway.

The driver of the truck, Steven Patrick Norfolk, 32, of Pennsylvania, was transported by ambulance to Meritus Medical Center. 

Maryland State Police say nearby businesses within 1,500 feet of the scene have been asked to evacuate.

Detours have been established forcing northbound I-81 traffic to exit onto Halfway Boulevard and southbound traffic to exit onto US Route 40 west. I-81 will remain closed for an extended time.