Fuel tanker flips after crash near LIE

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO
Emergency workers check out the scene on Nugent Drive, where an Eastern Fuel truck was flipped on its side last Wednesday.

The driver of a utility truck smacked into the side of an oil tanker last week near the Long Island Expressway in Calverton, sending the Eastern Fuel truck toppling onto its side.

No one was seriously injured in the 6 p.m. crash last Wednesday near Nugent Drive, also known as County Route 94, police said.

The driver of the fuel truck, Rod Kaelin of Aquebogue, told a reporter he was heading east on Nugent Drive when a Ford utility truck that was coming off the LIE at the Exit 71 exit ramp apparently ran the stop sign and hit his truck, causing it to flip over on its side.

He was not injured but said he was shaken by the experience.

Suffolk Police gave a similar account of the accident.

The other driver, whose identity was not released, was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center after complaining of chest pains, according to the Riverhead Fire Department, which responded to the scene.

No summonses were issued.

Police said the truck that ran the stop sign may have had a brake problem, or the accident may have been weather-related, as it was raining heavily at the time. Riverhead Fire Department Volunteers put down “speed dry” absorbent to sop up transmission and radiator fluids that spilled from the vehicles.

The oil truck was carrying about 1,400 gallons of home heating oil. Suffolk County police said a small amount of fuel leaked but was contained. Both trucks were impounded for safety checks.

Riverhead Fire Department volunteers remained on the scene until 9:41 p.m., as they had to stand by while the truck was uprighted. This was the second accident on an LIE off-ramp within three days. Last Monday, a Brooklyn man was killed on the LIE ramp at Exit 73 when his car overturned.

BY TIM GANNON