Tractor trailer leaking diesel into Athol river

AHTOL, Mass. — A tractor-trailer rolled over on its side in Athol, and the driver had to be cut out, according to the Athol Fire Department.

Fire Chief Joseph Guarnera says the driver is recovering at an area trauma center but is shaken up after what Chief Guarnera described as a “tough extrication.”

It happened just before 4:30 a.m. on Hapgood Street at the Mill Brook River and is leaking diesel fuel into the river, which they’re sopping up with absorbent booms.

Freezing rain was falling in the area at the time. The tractor-trailer was carrying 10 thousand gallons of diesel fuel. The side of the trailer says it belongs to Goguen Transportation, a freight shipping and trucking company out of Gardner.

Chief Guarnera says it slipped on the ice and went over an embankment.

“Weather was a factor. It slid down a hill on the ice,” said the Chief.

It was just in October that another tanker truck for Goguen Transportation rolled over in a rotary in Revere and spilled more than 7,000 gallons of oil. Crews say they’ll be out there for several more hours in Athol trying to get the tractor-trailer out and cleaning up the fuel. The Fire Chief says it does not appear to be affecting drinking water.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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