Baltimore I-95 Tanker Crash Cause: At Least 2 People Killed In Multiple-Vehicle Pileup

Baltimore crash — Trucks and vehicles are shown in a pile-up involving a fuel tanker which skidded off the an icy 1-95 highway in Baltimore, Dec. 17, 2016. Sage Hiller/Handout via REUTERS

At least two people were killed after a fuel tanker veered off a Baltimore highway and exploded early Saturday, according to reports. The skidding of the tanker resulted in a pileup of more than 50 vehicles, local authorities said.

The crash on Interstate 95 near Eastern Avenue was blamed on icy conditions in the city. Freezing rain accumulated into an icy sheet on roads resulting in slippery streets.

Twenty-three people were taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center, according to the Baltimore Sun. Victims of the pileup sustained head trauma and broken bones, as well as lacerations, cuts and scrapes, the report added citing hospital officials.

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh offered condolences to people affected.

“Today’s icy road conditions remind us all that it is imperative to exercise extreme caution due to severe weather. I want to thank the emergency crews for their expedient response. They continue to work closely with City agencies to render aid and coordinate efforts to stabilize road conditions for motorists. For the latest updates and information, please follow the Baltimore City Department of Transportation. We ask that residents delay travel if possible,” Pugh said in a statement.

The southbound I-95 traffic was diverted to I-295 and I-395 Saturday afternoon after southbound lanes were reopened. Northbound lanes on I-95 remained closed and the traffic was diverted to eastbound I-695 as cleanup efforts continued.

“We do not know when I-95 will be reopened,” Lieutenant Kevin Ayd, spokesman for the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, reportedly said.

Dip in temperatures and rainfall in most parts of the U.S. has led to fatal crashes in recent days. Indiana state police said Saturday over 380 property-damage crashes, more than 60 injury crashes and four fatal crashes were reported Friday.

Also on Saturday, two people died in separate incidents in Charlotte, North Carolina, after their vehicles skidded off icy roads.