Official: Tractor-trailer that hit Glenville bridge had compressed natural gas; Cleanup continues - WNYT NewsChannel 13

Official: Tractor-trailer that hit Glenville bridge had compressed natural gas; Cleanup continues - WNYT.com NewsChannel 13

Official: Tractor-trailer that hit Glenville bridge had compressed natural gas; Cleanup continues

Fire investigators have determined that the tractor-trailer that hit the Maple Avenue bridge in Glenville was carrying compressed natural gas, as cleanup at the site continues.

The crash happened just after 6:30 p.m. The explosion sent flames as high as 200 feet into the air.

Alplaus Fire Chief Glenn Kreig said officials are in the process of developing a plan to get into the tractor-trailer and see what they have so they can remove it.

Structural engineers are on site to assess the situation, Kreig said.

“Once we have the natural gas situation mitigated, the truck will be removed, and we’ll have an inspection of the bridge.”

They have been monitoring the air and there are no major issues.

Many fire companies and agencies responded to the scene, according to Kreig.

“It’s been an unbelievable response. We were all working together. I’ve never dealt with an incident like this,” he said. “We’re lucky to have the resources that we have in the Capitol Region.”

National Grid, Spectrum and Verizon have also been working to cut lines.

The Maple Avenue bridge has been hit in the past – although not as many times as the Glenridge Bridge. He said efforts to reduce strikes have been effective on Glenridge Road and now maybe they need to look at this road too.

“We would like a different truck route, but that’s not always the easiest because the drivers don’t always listen to the route.”

The driver, Sylvester Basil Jr., 60, of Texas, has third burns to his hands and face. He was transported to Westchester Medical Center Burn Unit.

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