June 28 – CUMBERLAND – A tractor-trailer driver was killed Thursday afternoon after a fiery crash on Interstate 68 near Moose Curve.
Smoke billowed across the city after the vehicle burst into flames following the crash in the eastbound lanes near Exit 43A around 5:15 p.m. Cumberland police said a preliminary investigation showed the truck lost control and struck a Toyota passenger van before leaving the roadway, striking a tree and bursting into flames.
According to police, bystanders tried to save the truck driver, whose name is unknown, but were unsuccessful.
The driver of the van was taken to UPMC Western Maryland with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
The truck, owned by Zay Kie Logistics of West St. Paul, Minnesota, was carrying chai tea.
Rescue efforts and investigation were supported by the Cumberland Fire Department, Bedford Road Fire Department, Cresaptown Fire Department, LaVale Fire Department, Eastern Garrett Fire Department, Allegany County Hazardous Materials Team, Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Office of the State Fire Marshal , Mountain Maryland Search Team, Cumberland Street Department and State Highway Administration.
Witnesses or anyone with information about the crash were asked to contact Cumberland Police Sgt. Jake Sullivan at 301-777-1600.
