Dec. 12, 6:20 p.m. — The Anne Arundel County Fire Department is on the scene at the intersection of Interstate 97 and Route 50 where a tractor trailer is under the overpass and is reportedly leaking a hazardous substance.

8:15 p.m. — Capt. James Rostek of the county fire department told Patch that an accident did not occur and the leak of the hazardous substance has been contained. A tractor trailer driver from New Jersey observed a potential leak from his trailer and pulled over to the side of the road, according to Capt. Rostek. The 911 call was received at 5:04 p.m.

The driver was transported to the shock trauma center in Baltimore for a possible inhalation injury from the chemical, isophthaloyl chloride, which is used to manufacture fiberglass and is a respiratory and skin irritant.

Route 50 was originally shut down in both directions but now only westbound Route 50 is closed at the Parole exit in Annapolis and Route 424 in Davidsonville.

The fire department said it's undetermined how long the roads will stay closed. The truck remains under the overpass and will have to be secured 100 percent and moved off the highway.

There were no injuries other than the truck driver.

9:20 p.m. — David Buck with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) told Patch that hazmat teams are on the truck at this point. Eastbound Route 50 is open and southbound Interstate 97 is open. However, westbound Route 50 is still closed.

Buck stated that once the truck is secured, it will be moved to the park and ride lot located at Route 424 off Route 50 in Davidsonville. Hazmat teams and crews from the department of the environment are in charge of this effort. 

There is still no telling when Route 50 westbound will be opened. 

10:17 p.m. — Patch received reports that Route 50 westbound is open and traffic is moving again.

The truck driver's injuries are considered serious but not life threatening, according to a fire department spokesman.

Editor's note: The public information officer on the scene stated that the chemical is isophthaloyl chloride, which is not what Patch reported earlier. We have corrected the story to reflect the correct chemical name.