DEP: Diesel fuel didn’t enter Barnegat Bay following bridge truck crash

     (Image: Toms River Office of Emergency Management)

    (Image: Toms River Office of Emergency Management)

    Diesel fuel leaked from a truck after a crash on the Tunney Bridge yesterday morning but it didn’t enter the Barnegat Bay, a state Department of Environmental Protection spokesman said

    About 50 gallons of fuel spilled from the truck’s saddle tank and onto the bridge deck, said Larry Hajna, a DEP spokesman.

    “A contractor cleaned it up,” he said. “No fuel entered the bay, according to Ocean County Health Department, which responded to the scene.”

    The crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. yesterday on the sole eastbound lane of the Tunney Bridge, which is currently facilitating access to the Barnegat Bay Island from Toms River due to repairs to the Mathis Bridge.

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    The island was sealed off from Route 37 access for hours as crews worked to remove the truck. The westbound lanes were also closed but for a much shorter duration.

    Police have not disclosed how the crash occurred.

    There were no injuries.

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