Fuel Truck Rolls Over In Monroe, Causing Lengthy Road Closure

MONROE, CT — A fuel truck overturned and spilled diesel fuel on Hattertown Road early Monday, prompting a lengthy road closure as emergency crews worked to contain the spill, according to Monroe police.

Officers responded around 5:30 a.m. to Hattertown Road near Guinea Road for a reported fuel truck rollover.

When officers arrived, they found a Hi-Ho fuel truck on its roof leaking diesel fuel.

Police said the driver was traveling west on Hattertown Road at a high rate of speed during a heavy downpour when the truck lost control on a curve near Guinea Road. The truck overturned halfway up the hill before sliding back down to its final resting place.

The driver was not injured and was cited for traveling too fast for conditions, police said.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Monroe fire officials and town officials responded to the scene.

In an update Monday morning, First Selectman Terrence Rooney said emergency personnel had contained the spill and mitigation efforts were underway.

He warned residents, particularly Stepney families and those traveling through the area, that the rollover would affect traffic "for a significant amount of time" while crews investigate the crash and complete environmental remediation.

Police said Hattertown Road remains closed between Knapp Street and Blanket Meadow Road.

Westbound traffic is being detoured from Knapp Street to Judd Road before returning to Hattertown Road. Eastbound traffic is being diverted via Blanket Meadow Road, Riding Ridge Road, Guinea Road, Pastors Walk, Bradford Drive and Main Street (Route 25).