A tanker truck rollover in Oakland Park on Tuesday morning resulted in a significant fuel spill and left the driver with minor injuries. The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on North Andrews Avenue, near residential homes, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly to contain the situation.
Key Takeaways
- A tanker truck rolled over, spilling fuel near homes in Oakland Park.
- The driver was hospitalized with minor injuries.
- Emergency crews evacuated nearby homes and contained the fuel leak.
Incident Overview
The crash took place in the 5300 block of North Andrews Avenue, where the driver lost control of the tanker truck, which was carrying approximately 1,100 gallons of diesel fuel. The vehicle rolled over and came to rest on its side between two homes, causing a hazardous situation for nearby residents.
Aerial footage captured the scene, showing the truck lying on its side with white foam spread around it to mitigate fire risks. The Oakland Park Fire Department reported that the driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Emergency Response
Upon arrival, emergency responders found the driver still inside the overturned tanker. The Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue’s Hazmat team was called in to assist with the containment of the fuel leak. The following actions were taken:
- Evacuations: Residents in the two closest homes were evacuated as a precaution, while others were advised to stay indoors.
- Fuel Containment: Hazmat crews worked diligently to pump the spilled fuel from the overturned truck into another tanker. This process involved drilling holes into the tanker to safely drain the fuel while preventing any sparks that could ignite the flammable liquid.
- Fire Safety Measures: Fire officials sprayed foam around the area to suppress any potential fire hazards. Assistant Fire Chief Marc Vermont emphasized the dangers of having a tanker truck on its side, noting that it is not designed to be in that position.
Community Impact
Local residents expressed their concerns about the incident. Rafael Serrano, a neighbor, described the moment of the crash, stating, "The explosion was real huge, everybody woke up. The house shakes in the explosion." He also highlighted ongoing issues with speeding and visibility at the intersection where the accident occurred, suggesting that improvements are needed to enhance safety.
Road Closures and Traffic Advisory
As emergency crews worked to clear the scene, several road closures were implemented. Drivers were advised to use Northwest 9th Avenue as an alternate route to avoid delays. The cleanup and recovery efforts were expected to take several hours, with officials working carefully to ensure the area was safe before reopening the roads.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials. Fortunately, the quick response from emergency services helped to prevent a more catastrophic outcome. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Sources
- Tanker truck crash in Oakland Park – NBC 6 South Florida, NBC 6 South Florida.
- Driver hospitalized after fuel truck overturns near Oakland Park home, WPLG Local 10.
- Tanker truck crash in Oakland Park – NBC 6 South Florida, NBC 6 South Florida.
- Tanker truck crashes in Oakland Park - CBS Miami, CBS News.
