Tanker truck overturns on Rockaway Turnpike, spilling fuel and closing road
Fuel is leaking onto the roadway and the area near Costco is closed.
According to 5 Towns Central, a large oil tanker overturned on Rockaway Turnpike on Wednesday, Aug. 19, spilling fuel onto the roadway and triggering a major emergency response. The road is closed near Costco, with vehicles being turned around, and traffic headed into the Five Towns from the opposite direction is stopped near Lowe's. Brookville is also heavily backed up for drivers heading toward Rockaway.
Fire crews are on scene spraying foam on the fuel spill, a method that stops ignition, smothers vapors, and cools the surface. Authorities have not said when inbound traffic will reopen, and drivers are urged to avoid Rockaway Turnpike and surrounding roads until further notice.
Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias issued a statement on the spill, thanking local fire, police and hazmat teams for their work to secure the scene and contain the environmental impact. He noted that North Lawrence is outside the incorporated village of Lawrence, but said protecting residents and the environment remains a top priority and that recovery efforts will be closely monitored.