A tanker truck transporting 9,200 gallons of gasoline crashed into an abandoned building and burst into flames in Rockville Center on Long Island about 30 miles east of New York City. The accident happened at 1 A.M. on the morning of February 16, 2022. The cause is under investigation.
The driver freed himself from the vehicle and was transported to the hospital.
Firefighters controlled the fire quickly, but not before the blaze destroyed a vacant furniture showroom and damaged a second structure. Local roads were closed, as well as a major highway, for hours. Authorities cut power to the area as a preventative measure.
A security camera across the street captured the accident and explosion.
The overturned vehicle released fuel into the sewer system and nearby creeks. The Coast Guard arrived on scene to map the spill. They were able to contain the fuel with booms.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Department of Transportation, and State police responded to the scene of the explosion and fuel spill. NYSDEC also assessed the accident's effects using drones.
Reporting Hazmat Transportation Incidents
Gasoline is a US DOT Class 3 flammable liquid and is regulated as a hazardous material. Employees—including drivers—who prepare, offer, or transport hazardous materials must complete hazmat employee training required by 49 CFR 172, Subpart H.
When a serious incident like this occurs, the “person in possession” of the material must report it to the National Response Center if the hazardous materials cause certain events to occur (See 49 CFR 171.15).
In this case, immediate notification was required because:
- A person required hospitalization;
- A major transportation artery was shut down for more than an hour; and
- Danger to life continued to be present at the scene.
Within 30 days of the incident, the driver (or his representative if he is unable) must also follow-up with a written report using DOT Form F-5800.1.
The written report is required because this incident had to be reported by phone, there was an unintentional release of hazmat, and because the cargo tank truck experienced structural damage.
Instructor-led DOT Hazmat Training
Develop in-depth expertise to keep hazmat shipments in full compliance with the latest 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), including shippers' responsibilities for incident reporting.
Get required hazmat training in-person in Houston, Chicago, Cincinnati, San Diego, San Jose, and St. Louis in early 2022. Or train at your own pace with Lion's online DOT hazmat training.
Or, join a Lion instructor for an expert-led two-day webinar for comprehensive, instructor-led Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification training on March 7–8.