Natural Gas Tanker Truck Crashes, Driver Injured, I-88 Shut Down

Photo credit: WRGB

Staff Report

DUANESBURG - Both sides of I-88 between exits 24 and 25 were closed for at least two days after a serious tractor trailer crash in Duanesburg early Tuesday morning, the New York State Police announced.

Drivers were rerouted the rest of the day Tuesday and into Wednesday but the road will "be reopening shortly," Trooper Stephanie O'Neil said on Tuesday.

Trooper O'Neil says the eastbound and westbound lanes were closed between exit 24 and 25 starting at 6a.m. Wednesday morning for continued clean up.

New York State Police responded to reports of a box truck off the road on I-88 at 2:52 a.m. Tuesday.

Police said the box truck "exited the road and traveled down a steep ravine." The box truck was carrying multiple cylinders containing compressed natural gas, which led to a hazmat response and a safety perimeter establishment, according to police, which accounts for both sides of the roadway being shut down.

As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, the driver was removed and taken to Albany Medical Center with serious injuries.

"This perimeter has not resulted in any home or business evacuations," NYS Trooper O'Neil said. "I-88 has been closed in both directions out of an abundance of caution until the hazardous material is secured and removed."

Governor Kathy Hochul also released a statement regarding the crash and subsequent closure.

"Earlier this morning, I was briefed on the truck accident on I-88 in Schenectady County, and State personnel have been closely involved with the response efforts to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers. While details are still emerging, this accident may lead to a leak of natural gas, so an evacuation of the area is currently underway out of an abundance of caution. I have directed all relevant state agencies, including the Division of Homeland Security Services, Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Conservation, to participate in the emergency response efforts and we will continue to update New Yorkers as more information is available."

Despite the Governor's statement, State Police maintain no businesses or homes were evacuated.

Drivers are being rerouted to Route 7 and Route 20 in Duanesburg.