First responders deal with overturned fuel hauler in Lewiston

Feb. 12—Niagara County first responders spent Monday afternoon working to remove an overturned semi-tractor trailer hauling fuel from "the Y" at Indian Hill and Upper Mountain roads.

Emergency crews were first called to the scene around 12:20 p.m. for the one-vehicle accident. The driver was able to climb out of the truck on his own and was evaluated by an ambulance crew for minor injuries, according to reports from the scene.

At the time of the crash, the fuel tanker was carrying about 6,500 gallons of fuel. Fire crews reported a small fuel leak when they first arrived on the scene that was able to be contained.

Crews then spent Monday afternoon putting a plan together to safely transfer the fuel out of the truck and lift the semi back onto its wheels.

Niagara County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Schultz said at the scene that the front of the fuel tank near the truck's cab was crumpled in the crash and there were concerns that the tank could split apart while crews tried to set the tanker upright.

A company was being sought Monday to pump the fuel out of the overturned tanker so it could be safely set on its wheels.