Fuel spill causes 16-mile backup on New York Thruway

WCBS

A fuel spill on the New York State Thruway in Orange County caused a 16-mile backup on Monday afternoon.

The 80-gallon spill resulted from a tractor-trailer accident at 4:19 p.m. on Interstate 87 between Harriman and Sloatsburg, about 45 minutes north of New York City.

All southbound lanes and one northbound lane were closed until 7:40 p.m.

The accident occurred when 42-year-old Maria Astadjov of Quebec swerved to avoid debris while traveling northbound on the Thruway, said Trooper Manuel Rodriguez.

A van and tractor-trailer traveling behind her swerved to avoid a collision, sending the tractor-trailer through the median and into the southbound side of the highway.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, 54-year-old Thomas A. Spagnola of Hagaman, was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Suffern for minor back and neck injuries.

No charges have been filed, Rodriguez said.

One Comment

  • josh

    wow thats interesting because on sunday while i was on the 17 we passed another highway and saw an 18wheel’er on its side with alot of its contents spilled on the highway and traffic was backed up for miles. it was very scary!