dot-rockville
Rockville Center, NY (77WABC)-The driver of a tanker truck, hauling approximately 10,000 gallons of gasoline, escaped his tanker before it burst into flames touching off a massive fire at businesses on Sunrise Highway.
The vehicle overturned and crashed into the front of a vacant Lazy Boy store near North Centre Ave. around 1:10 this morning. The fire spread to several other buildings.
Rockville Center Police say an officer found the driver of the tanker lying in the street and pulled him to safety.
Major fire on Long Island- Rockville Centre. A 12,000 gas tanker overturned into a building then burst into flames. Burning gasoline went into the sewer & is burning for blocks. PAPD is sending crash trucks from JFK. pic.twitter.com/z17PXFLuMt
— NYCFireWire (@NYCFireWire) February 16, 2022
The driver was taken to a hospital in unknown condition.
DOT is at the fire scene on Sunrise Highway #NY27 in @VillageRVC treating roads to keep the area safe for all the first responders. pic.twitter.com/TAvyRhKG7h
— NYSDOT Long Island (@nysdotli) February 16, 2022
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said three firefighters were also hurt, but their injuries are not believed to be serious. Governor Kathy Hochul put out a statement in response to the incident, directing state emergency response assets to assist.
“DEC has deployed Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Spill Responders, including a drone pilot, to assess the potential environmental impacts to the Mill River and surrounding area and to pump out, clean, and flush the impacted drainage system,” said Hochul. “DOT is currently assessing damage to the drainage system, pavement and a traffic signal and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The crash and fire shut down Sunrise Highway in Rockville Center for several hours. An investigation continues.
