Route 17 “stinks to high heaven” after rig hauling trash overturns due to poor road conditions

A semi truck hauling trash overturned on a New York highway on Friday morning due to poor road conditions, creating a stench that affected first responders. 

The accident happened on September 8th at about 8:43 a.m. on Route 17 near the Route 202 exit at Mountainside Avenue. 

According to Daily Voice, the semi truck was heading north when it went over the divider and overturned.  

The driver later told Police Chief Timothy O’Hara  that he “felt the load shift in the trailer because of what he described as a ‘dip’ in the temporary lane shift due to construction in the area.”

The truck driver was able to climb out of the wrecked cab on his own and sustained only minor injuries. He refused medical attention. 

Crews say the spilled fuel and garbage made for an unfortunate stench in the area. 

“The combination of garbage and diesel fuel spilling is awful,” one DOT crewmember said. “It’s a good thing the sun’s not out. It already stinks to high heaven.”

“We have heard similar accounts from nearly every driver that has crashed in this area,” the chief said. “The DOT is aware of this problem and we are working with them for immediate, actionable solutions before this takes a tragic turn.”