Truck Accident Spills Asphalt, Gasoline; Two Drivers Injured

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Sat, Sep 24, 2011

State Poice and the Department of Environmental Conservation continue to investigate a truck accident that spilled liquid asphalt and gasoline onto the lawn of a private home at the junction of Rte. 12 and Swamp Road in North Brookfield Friday.

A report by the Trooper at Morrisville says the accident occurred a little after 3 p.m. Crews were still on the scene late last night.

The Troopers' report says:

"A 1988 Ford dump truck owned by Crouse Construction of Chittenango, and operated by Timothy M. Smith, age 52, of Cole Street, Munnsville was northbound on Route 12 and was slowing to make a left turn onto Swamp Road. A 1996 Mack tractor trailer owned by Vestal Asphalt Inc. of Vestal, and operated by Michael S. Furner, age 39, of Avery Road, North Brookfield was also northbound on Route 12 behind the dump truck. As the dump truck began to turn left, the tractor trailer braked and swerved left, colliding with the driver's side of the dump truck.

"The impact forced both vehicles off the northwest side of the intersection, through a guiderail and over a steep embankment, where both trucks overturned.

"A trailer being hauled by the Mack truck and containing 6000 gallons of liquid asphalt ruptured, spilling over 1,000 gallons of the liquid onto a private lawn. A fuel tank on the Mack also ruptured, spilling a quantity of diesel fuel.

"Responding fire personnel from the North Brookfield, Waterville, Hamilton and Hubbardsville fire departments contained the spill and extricated Smith from his vehicle. Smith was transported to Upstate Medical in Syracuse with shoulder injuries while Furner was transported to St. Elizabeth's Hospital with a broken wrist and leg.

"A spill response team from the N.Y.S. Department of Environmental Conservation responded to coordinate the clean up of the spill.

"The investigation is continuing."