3 Schools Closed In Harford County After Propane Truck Crash

FALLSTON, MD — Three schools were closed Thursday in Harford County due to a crash off MD 152 involving a tractor-trailer carrying propane. A nearly 2-mile stretch of Route 152 was closed for several hours and did not reopen until the afternoon.

At 4:30 a.m., police said troopers from the Bel Air Barrack were called to Route 152 at Oakmont Road, where a tractor-trailer carrying liquid propane had crashed.

The tractor-trailer was hauling 10,000 gallons of propane when it went off the road between Carrs Mill Road and Youths Benefit Elementary School, the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company reported.

The Pennsylvania man driving the truck told police he swerved to avoid a vehicle coming into his lane, and as a result, he lost control of the trailer, which fell into a culvert and broke its axel, according to The Aegis.

Citing the crash, officials with Harford County Public Schools announced Thursday morning that Youths Benefit Elementary, Fallston Middle and Fallston High schools would be closed.

"In an abundance of caution, we are asking all students and staff at these three schools to stay out of the area at this time. Do not report to the buildings," school officials advised.

Crews said they were monitoring the situation, which did not appear to have any leaks as a result of the crash.

"While the tank was dented, it never leaked & there was no environmental threat to the public," Maryland State Police reported.

The Maryland Department of the Environment and hazardous materials personnel were called, and authorities advised the road would be closed for an "extended time."

"Rt. 152 is closed between Pleasantville Rd. and Carrs Mill Rd in Fallston," the Harford County Sheriff's Office advised. "Please avoid the area and expect delays."

At 2:25 p.m., the Maryland State Highway Administration reported that all lanes had reopened.

See the latest lane closure information from state transportation officials.