CUMBERLAND — A tractor-trailer driver was killed Thursday afternoon following a fiery crash on Interstate 68 at the Moose Curve.
Smoke billowed over the city after the vehicle caught fire following the accident in the east lanes around 5:15 p.m. at Exit 43A. Cumberland Police said a preliminary investigation revealed the truck lost control and struck a Toyota passenger van before careening off the roadway, striking a tree and catching on fire.
Police said bystanders tried to rescue the truck driver, who was not named, but were unable to.
The van driver 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 hauling 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.