NEWTOWN — A tractor trailer’s hydraulic fluid leak caused a multi-vehicle incident on Mile Hill Rd on July 26 at around 8:20 a.m., leading to significant traffic delays and a full-day road closure for cleanup.
The Newtown Police Department reported that the initial tractor trailer lost a substantial amount of hydraulic fluid, resulting in hazardous road conditions.
Following this, another tractor trailer jackknifed, and its fuel tank ruptured, causing a passenger car to veer off the road.
No injuries were reported from the accidents.
A Newtown officer located the first truck, which had left the scene.
An investigation revealed that the driver was aware of the leak but continued driving.
Consequently, the driver received a Misdemeanor Summons for Reckless Driving under CGS 14-222.
Cleanup required the road to remain closed most of the day to manage the environmental hazard posed by the hundreds of gallons of spilled fluids.
Multiple agencies, including the Newtown Hook and Ladder Volunteer Fire Department, Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Department, Newtown EMS, Newtown Public Works, the CT Department of Transportation, CT State Police Commercial Truck Enforcement Squad, and the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, collaborated to make the roadway safe again and limit environmental damage.
The Newtown Police Department commended the patience and understanding of motorists impacted by the traffic and assured that all resources were utilized to reopen the road as swiftly and safely as possible.
