A tanker truck accident in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx this Wednesday led to an asphalt spill, as FDNY crews worked swiftly to manage the hazardous situation. According to information obtained by PIX11, around 12:01 p.m. near 620 Truxton Street, Randall Avenue, and East 156th Street, a tanker carrying 35 tons of liquid asphalt overturned and spilled approximately 100 gallons of its cargo onto the street.
The spill, which spread a thick, sticky substance across the road, necessitated a response from fire units to contain it and prevent environmental contamination. "Fire units quickly acted to isolate and contain the spill, preventing it from entering storm drains or surrounding buildings," per the statement by FDNY Battalion Chief Walter Kowalski. A firefighter sustained minor injuries during the response and was taken to a hospital for treatment, PIX11 reported.
Cleanup efforts were underway, with environmental protection in mind. As reported by ABC7NY, the FDNY handed over the scene to the trucking company responsible for the spill. The company was expected to oversee the cleanup operations. State and city environmental agencies were also monitoring the site to assess impacts and guide the remediation process.
"We turned it back over to the responsible party, the trucking company, and they're going to be taking care of the cleanup at this point," Kowalski told ABC7NY. Meanwhile, a Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson indicated that precautions had been taken to shield local infrastructure.
"DEP is on the scene. Crews have covered catch basins and sewers as best they can and are investigating any impacts to DEP infrastructure," said the DEP spokesperson. The truck owner was also ordered to send a remediation team to address the spilt tar, as per PIX11.
Fortunately, the liquid asphalt spill did not occur in a residential area or on a major thoroughfare, reducing the risk of widespread impact. The hope is that the spilled asphalt will cool and solidify, simplifying the cleanup efforts.
