Tanker overturns, gasoline leaks into storm drains in North Lawrence
A 42-year-old driver was evaluated at the scene after the Aug. 19 spill but refused medical attention.
A gasoline tanker overturned Aug. 19 at 11:08 a.m. while turning in North Lawrence, spilling fuel that leaked into storm drains, police said. The 42-year-old driver was heading east on East Avenue and tried to make a left onto Rockaway Turnpike when the tanker flipped during the turn.
Responders included the Nassau County Fire Marshal, the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the city Fire Department and Police Department, and the Meadowmere Park and neighboring fire departments. Hazmat crews were called to contain the spill and address gasoline in the drainage system, and fire officials said residents reported smelling gasoline after the fuel entered the sewer.
The driver was evaluated at the scene but refused medical attention, police said. Rockaway Turnpike was closed in both directions between Peninsula Boulevard and Brookville Boulevard. The cause of the crash and the extent of the spill were not immediately available, according to the Nassau Herald.
Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias said in a statement that the village is grateful to the response teams and will monitor recovery efforts.