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22h ago

Wind Turbine Blade Breaks Free on I-70, Prompting Probe into Transport Failures

Investigators are examining specialized hauling protocols following the dislodgement of the turbine blade into oncoming lanes.

Traffic was brought to a halt in Maryland as the blade of a wind turbine fell across multiple lanes of Interstate 70 on the morning of Monday, June 30.
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Overview

  • At approximately 5:30 a.m. on June 30, a westbound tractor-trailer struck a guardrail, causing its wind turbine blade to detach and slide across the median.
  • An eastbound truck clipped the dislodged blade, prompting the closure of all westbound lanes and two eastbound lanes on I-70 near Hagerstown for over two hours.
  • Maryland State Police troopers, SHA commercial vehicle enforcement teams, heavy tow crews and highway workers cut through the guardrail and removed the blade, reopening all lanes by about 8:15 a.m.
  • One response crew worker received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and was released after the roadway was cleared.
  • Maryland State Police continue to investigate whether mechanical issues or procedural lapses in the transport of oversized turbine components led to the detachment.