Accident crams Hancock streets

by Geoff Fox
A fire involving a tractor trailer containing explosives caused long traffic delays at midday on Friday, August 10.

The fire took place near Exit 18 of I-70 around 11 a.m. Maryland State Police closed both east and west bound lanes as a precaution. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department was able to safely remove drivers who were caught close to the truck fire.

During that time, traffic along I-70 was diverted to Route 40. Around noon, the westbound lanes were reopened. Eastbound traffic was rerouted at Exit 9, Indian Springs.

Through the reroute, drivers trying to find a quick route west or east had to improvise. Those heading west on the slow-moving I-70 detoured through Hancock to get to U.S. 522, prompting a back up on Main Street. Drivers heading east, got off of I-70 and headed south on U.S. 522.

Southbound traffic was backed up from Berkeley Springs to I-70.

A normal 30 to 45 minute drive took up to four hours for some.