Tanker truck crash in Medina County kills driver

SHARON TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Residents of a Medina County neighborhood are allowed to return to their homes after a hazardous chemical spill forced them from their neighborhood Monday afternoon.

It happened around noon on Beach Road in Sharon Township. 

According to the State Highway Patrol, 75-year-old Philip Linden drove off the road, overturned and his truck caught fire. Their investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.  Troopers are examining the truck and waiting for the coroner's report, which could take weeks.

Fire officials said the truck, a 2005 Mack truck, was carrying about 6,000 gallons of anhydrous ammonia – a fertilizer – when the crash happened. A small amount of the chemical leaked from the truck. Officials said the truck was taking the chemical to a farm south of where the incident occurred.

As a precaution, about 20 homes in the area were evacuated. Authorities gave residents permission to return to their homes around one Tuesday morning.

HAZMAT crews worked to contain the spill on scene for several hours after accident.

Linden the owner of Linden Propane in LaGrange, Ohio. He started the company 50 years ago. Those who knew him describe him as a kind man, who always put his customers first. Family members say he also trained dozens of fire departments about how to respond to accidents involving anhydrous ammonia.

There were no other reports of injuries.