7:03pm update: All Northbound and Southbound lanes of MD-355 (Frederick Ave) at Maryland Ave have reopened. Expect residual delays.
A vehicle struck a gas line Tuesday evening at Gaithersburg Plaza, prompting partial evacuations, a large emergency response, and the closure of a major stretch of MD-355 through the heart of Gaithersburg.
According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Pete Piringer, the incident occurred in the 200 block of N. Frederick Road at the Gaithersburg Plaza shopping center. A vehicle struck a gas line and sheared off a gas meter, resulting in a gas leak and partial evacuations of nearby businesses. Emergency crews responded to the scene and were able to bring the leak under control. No injuries have been reported.
The incident caused significant traffic disruptions in the area. Shortly after 6:30pm, Montgomery County Police announced that N. Frederick Road was closed between Montgomery Avenue and Walker Avenue due to the gas leak following the single-vehicle collision.
Alert Montgomery also issued a Severe Traffic Alert advising that all northbound and southbound lanes of MD-355 (Frederick Avenue) at Maryland Avenue were closed because of the incident. Drivers were urged to expect significant delays and seek alternate routes.
