CUMBERLAND, MD – A tragic accident occurred on eastbound Interstate 68 at the Johnson Street exit yesterday at 5:16 PM, resulting in the death of a tractor trailer driver and injuries to another motorist. The Cumberland Police and Fire Departments responded to the scene where they discovered the tractor trailer in flames.
Despite efforts by several bystanders to rescue the trapped driver, he succumbed to his injuries after the vehicle, operated by Zay Kie Logistics of West St. Paul, Minnesota, lost control, struck a Toyota passenger van, veered off the road, hit a tree, and caught fire. The driver of the van sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Cumberland Fire Department personnel.
The truck was reportedly hauling a load of chai tea at the time of the accident. Multiple emergency response teams, including the Bedford Road Fire Department, Cresaptown Fire Department, LaVale Fire Department, and others, assisted at the scene.
Eastbound I-68 remains closed as cleanup operations continue, and traffic delays are expected for several hours. Authorities are investigating the incident and have asked witnesses or anyone with information to contact Sgt. Jake Sullivan at the Cumberland Police Department.
UPDATE:
The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office has announced that lane 1 of eastbound Interstate 68 is now open at exit 43A in Cumberland. Motorists are advised to continue exercising caution and to expect delays as cleanup crews work diligently to clear the area following the earlier crash involving a tractor trailer.
Travelers passing through the vicinity should remain alert to the presence of emergency personnel and ongoing cleanup operations. The Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers to maintain safe speeds and distances as they navigate past the incident site. Further updates will be provided as the situation progresses and additional lanes are cleared for travel.