DELMAR, NY - An oil tanker rolled over on Hudson Avenue, next to a portion of the Albany County Rail Trail in Delmar, on March 17th.

First responders were called to the area of 28 Hudson Ave. in Delmar around 9:53 A.M., for a report of an oil tanker rollover, with the driver still attempting to exit the vehicle.

Bethlehem Police arrived at the scene and confirmed that the male driver was the only occupant and was able to exit the vehicle on his own without injury. 

“The vehicle he was operating, a 2007 Peterbuilt tanker, was on the passenger side in wetlands,” according to police. “The vehicle, owned by JH Buhrmaster out of Scotia, NY, was carrying approximately 1,800-gallons of heating fuel oil.”

The Slingerlands and Delmar fire departments responded to the scene to assist in spill mitigation.

“The integrity of the tank was not compromised and no oil was leaking,” police said. “It was discovered that the passenger’s side external diesel tank for the truck was damaged as a result of the crash and was leaking.”

Firefighters used absorbent material and booms to prevent the spread of fuel in the ditch. Additional absorbent material was delivered from the Town of Bethlehem.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation responded to evaluate the scene. Mac N Sons also responded for fuel spill cleanup, according to police.

Roberts Towing assisted in removing the fuel from the tank and into an empty Buhrmaster truck to prevent any other leaks. Roberts Towing also assisted in up-righting the tanker and towing it from the scene.

“The operator of the tanker, a 65-year-old male from Clifton Park, stated that he was traveling east on Hudson Avenue when he saw an animal in the woods to the south,” police said.

“As he was looking at the animal, the tanker caught the snow/slush on the shoulder of the roadway, causing the vehicle to get pulled into the ditch and fall to its side.”

Hudson Avenue was closed in both directions for approximately four hours for the cleanup process.

Also assisting on the scene were Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, Albany County Paramedics and New York State Police. Police said there were no tickets issued.