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An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of an accident in Shady where a Bottini Fuel truck carrying over 2,000 gallons of home heating oil overturned on Thursday (May 8). The accident occurred on MacDaniel Road, spilling oil into the nearby Sawkill Creek. Emergency responders quickly contained the spill, deploying over 250 feet of absorbent boom to limit environmental damage.
The truck failed to navigate a sharp turn, crashing through a guardrail and overturning near the creek. The driver was taken to Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston, but his condition remains unknown. The Ulster County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are working together to monitor environmental and public health concerns. As a precaution, the closest town well was taken offline, and individual well testing is being planned to ensure water safety.
Local residents have expressed concern over the spill, especially since the area has a history of water contamination issues. Jessie Kotler, a nearby resident, noted that the turn where the accident occurred is known for vehicles speeding. Another resident, Julie Szabo, mentioned that the community is already dealing with water contamination issues and relies on bottled water.
The cleanup efforts involved multiple agencies, including the Woodstock and Kingston Fire Departments, Ulster County Emergency Services, and the DEC. The investigation aims to uncover the cause of the crash and prevent future incidents.