Williamsport, MD (September 25, 2025) – A 36-year-old West Virginia woman was killed Thursday morning in a three-vehicle crash involving two semi-trucks and a car on northbound Interstate 81 near Williamsport. The collision caused a hazardous materials spill that shut down all northbound lanes for much of the day.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. just south of mile marker 2, between the exits for Maryland Route 68 (Lappans Road) and U.S. 11 (Virginia Avenue). According to Maryland State Police, the crash involved two tractor-trailers and a passenger vehicle. The woman driving the car was pronounced dead at the scene. Both truck drivers were transported to Meritus Medical Center with injuries. Emergency crews reported that six barrels of flammable solvent being hauled by one of the trucks were damaged, leaking approximately 50 gallons of chemical used in the manufacture of perfume. Specialized hazmat teams responded to stabilize the spill and oversee cleanup.
Community Response: The closure of northbound I-81 near Williamsport led to severe traffic delays throughout the region. Drivers were rerouted onto local exits, and surrounding roads quickly became congested. Residents expressed concern about both the crash’s tragic loss of life and the dangers posed by hazardous material spills so close to heavily traveled highways. Washington County Emergency Services confirmed that multiple fire and EMS units, along with hazmat crews, were deployed to contain the incident. Officials assured the public that no immediate inhalation hazard existed due to the open-air environment.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Maryland State Police are leading the investigation into the fatal semi-truck crash and are working to determine the sequence of events that caused the collision. Early reports suggest that one truck may have been rear-ended, while another rotated in the lanes, but the exact cause remains under review. Crashes involving hazardous material spills often prompt both state and federal oversight, raising questions of liability not only for the drivers but also for the trucking companies responsible for transporting and securing dangerous cargo. Potential civil claims may involve wrongful death, injury compensation, and environmental cleanup costs.
Authorities stressed the importance of cautious driving in high-traffic corridors and noted the increased risks when commercial trucks are transporting hazardous loads.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim following this tragic Williamsport truck accident.
Source: Yahoo News