HOWARD COUNTY, MARYLAND — A tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 70 in Howard County spilled rendered beef fat across the roadway Thursday, closing lanes for hours and creating concerns about slick travel conditions as rain moved into the region.
The crash happened on westbound I-70 before Exit 87B for US 29, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration.
Spill First Reported as Sugar
Officials initially reported that the tractor-trailer had spilled sugar across the roadway.
Hours later, the Maryland Department of Transportation said the spilled material was actually rendered beef fat.
The right shoulder and two right lanes were closed after the crash while crews worked to clean the roadway.
Rain Complicated Cleanup
Transportation officials said the spill could become especially slick once rain arrived.
“We will have to again take two left lanes as this will become slick when rain arrives,” the Maryland State Highway Administration said. “Crews on scene working as fast as they can.”
The road closure came as forecasters warned of heavy rain and strong storms across parts of Maryland.
All Lanes Later Reopened
Cleanup continued for several hours before all lanes were reopened.
No injuries or additional vehicles involved were immediately reported.
The cause of the crash was not immediately released.
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