On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 3:03 pm, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company, Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad, Kent County EMS, Kennedyville VFC, and the Crumpton VFC was dispatched for the Motor Vehicle Crash with Hazmat (Hazardous Materials), on Morgnec Road (Maryland 291) at the bridge over Morgnec Creek. Locally, the bridge is known as the “Blue Bridge”, because of its color.
First arriving found the crash had occurred mostly on the bridge, involving a passenger car and farm machinery (large John Deere tractor, towing an implement). First Responders found one patient with minor injuries, subsequently transported to the University of Maryland, Shore Medical Center at Chestertown.
As a result of the crash, the fuel tank of the tractor ruptured. Approximately 400 gallons of diesel fuel leaked out. Because some fuel entered Morgnec Creek, the Maryland Department of the Environment was notified. However, because the amount was not “recoverable”, their response was not needed. Mitigation of the spilled fuel was handled by Chestertown VFC personnel and the Maryland Department of Transportation / State Highway Administration, who brought sand to spread over the spill.
Morgnec Road (Maryland 291) was completely closed for a period for cleanup and removal of the wreckage. Because of the timing, Kent County Public Schools – Transportation was notified. School buses were likely required to detour around the crash site.
