ELKRIDGE, Md. -- At about 3 PM, on Tuesday, January 13, 2004, a tanker truck lost control on the bridge over I-95 on I-895. The tanker went off of the bridge to the northbound I-95 traffic lanes. The tanker exploded and burnt just north of the I-895 bridge.
A tractor trailer and two passengers cars were completely engulfed by the flames. No one was reported to be able to get out of any of the vehicles.
Trooper 8 from MSP aviation was the first on the scene reporting to Howard County Fire Communications the situation and suggesting that they alert BWI airport for their crash truck for its foaming capabilities.
At the same time Howard Co. was responding to this incident, Baltimore Co. was alerted for the same incident reported to be in their juristiction.
Hazmat teams from Howard Co. and Baltimore Co. both responded along with the special equipment from BWI airport.
Maryland Dept. of the enviroment was also on the scene assisting.
The incident occurred in Howard Co., and upon arrival Chief 1a assumed the command.
The incident was being investigated by several juristictions, however it did start in the juristiction of the Maryland Toll Facilities.
I-95 is a major transportation link between Baltimore and Washington and a major east coast transportation route. The roadway has been shut down for hours causing major traffic delays in the area.
Crews remained on the scene cleaning up the mess and doing their investigations into the late night. The State Highway Administration assessed the damage to the bridge and roadway, and reopened all traffic lanes early Tuesday morning.
The number of fatalities has been reported to be four.
