70 gallons of fuel spilled in Valatie accident

VALATIE — Around 70 gallons of fuel spilled Wednesday evening in a two-vehicle accident in Valatie, authorities said Thursday.

The accident involving a car and a pickup truck happened around 7:25 p.m. on the northbound ramp from Route 9 to Route 9H, according to Columbia County 911. The road was closed for a little more than two hours.

The impact of the crash caused the pickup to roll over, according to authorities. The truck was also carrying an additional fuel tank in its bed.

The truck was smoking after the crash, according to initial reports.

All the occupants of both vehicles were able to get out before firefighters arrived on the scene, according to fire officials.

A helicopter was placed on stand-by but was not needed, according to authorities. Five people were checked out by paramedics, but refused medical treatment.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation’s spill response team was requested to help in cleaning up the fuel, according to authorities.

Valatie firefighters were assisted by Niverville firefighters. Rescue squads from Valatie, Chatham and Greenport responded. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office investigated and was assisted by state police. The state Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control. The road was reopened at 9:43 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office

Around 70 gallons of fuel spilled Wednesday evening in a two-vehicle accident in Valatie.