Ronald Leroy Heiston Jr Death – Obituary: According to authorities, Ronald Leroy Heiston Jr., 58, of Smithsburg was transporting approximately 8,650 gallons of gasoline from Taneytown, Maryland, to Manassas, Virginia, in a tanker truck.
Before noon, troopers were summoned to U.S. Highway 15 north in Frederick, about a half-mile from Rosemont Avenue, where a tanker had collided with a tree and caught fire. Heiston passed away on the spot.
According to the investigators, the fire caused damage to six homes and five vehicles. The collision and the ensuing fires were not reported to have caused any additional harm or deaths.
Following the collision, Highway 15 was briefly closed in both directions.
The soaring flames, according to neighbors, appeared to be straight out of a movie. Police then ordered them to leave shortly after.
“This thing was blowing up, over, and over, and over, and over,” said resident Paul Hamilton.
Resident Mariano Hernandez told WBAL’s NBC sister station, WRC, that he heard the explosion, went outside and realized the flames had already spread over the side walls of his home. His home was destroyed.
“At that moment, I just thought about my children who were inside,” Hernandez said in Spanish. “I’m thankful to my neighbors behind me, who came to help and check if everyone was OK. They helped me get the children out.”
“We are saddened to report the accident was fatal to the driver, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. CLI Transport is the dedicated fuel hauler for Sheetz Inc., and the truck was carrying product destined for a local Sheetz location,” Tippery said.
The driver of the tanker worked for CLI Transport, which said it is working closely with officials to ensure a safe and environmentally responsible cleanup. CLI President John Tippery responded to the incident.