Overturned Tanker Leaks 8,000 Gallons of Fuel in Finksburg (Update)

Article updated at 2:50 with names of the drivers.

Just after noon Wednesday a traffic accident at Rt. 140 and Bethel Road resulted in the transport of two men to Maryland Shock Trauma and in the leakage of 8,000 gallons of fuel.

According to Maryland State Police Lieutenant Jim DeWees, Carl Frock Jr., 79, was driving a Buick when he attempted to turn left off of Rt. 140 onto Bethel Road. He was broadsided by a fuel tanker owned by Bosley Oil Incorporated out of Westminster, driving west on Rt. 140. The operator of the fuel tanker, Richard Donald Eckard, 62, of Taneytown steered right in an attempt to avoid the Buick. The tanker was pierced as it rolled into the parking lot of Royal Farms, where it came to rest.

DeWees said 8,000 gallons of fuel leaked into the drainage system behind the Royal Farms. The Maryland Department of the Environment is assessing the situation and potential environmental impacts.

Businesses in the area were evacuated and Rt. 140 was closed while the site was cleared. According to DeWees, as of 2 p.m., people were allowed to return to the area and Rt. 140 was re-opened. The Royal Farms remains closed.

The investigation continues but Dewees said, "the most pressing concern right now is addressing the environmental impacts of the fuel leak."

Troopers are still conducting their investigation to determine who was at fault. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Trooper Granville Fairbanks at 410-386-3000.