KINDERHOOK–State Police are investigating a fuel oil spill at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 9H where a tanker apparently rolled over at about 12:30 p.m. today (September 12).
The traffic circle will be closed until further notice. Police advise motorists to seek alternate routes. A State of Emergency has been declared for a two mile area around the accident site.
Ichabod Crane Central Schools sent an email to parents at 1 p.m., alerting them to an accident at the Valatie traffic circle involving a tanker truck carrying home heating oil. All students are safe and the HazMat team is dealing with the situation.
The school district as cancelled all after school activities and warned parents to expect delays in bus drop off times.
The text of the message from the school is:
“Please note that we are expecting delays in your children’s transportation home this afternoon. This is due to a traffic accident resulting in a home heating oil spill in the roundabout near Hannaford Plaza. All students are safe and there is no imminent danger involving the situation. The Superintendent of Schools is at the scene with the HAZMAT Team getting updates as they are available. All afterschool activities are cancelled including the Open House at the Middle School. Although the Town has declared a State of Emergency, the situation is under control. We ask that you please not come to pick up your children any earlier than you would on a normal school day. As we get more information we will update when needed.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.”
The town is declaring a state of emergency, said town Supervisor Pat Grattan. He said he had an unconfirmed report that as much as 4,000 gallons of oil had spilled on the roadway at the traffic circle just north of the school.
State Route 9 is closed and Mr. Grattan, who was headed to the site at 1:40 p.m., said he was uncertain when the highway would reopen.
