Driver Hospitalized After Crashing Head-On With Oil Tanker, Road Closed: West Haven PD

WEST HAVEN, CT — A rollover crash involving an oil tanker has closed a road and sent a driver to the hospital, according to West Haven police.

Police responded around 1:45 p.m. Thursday to a crash on Forest Road between Orange Terrace and Bristol Street, according to Sgt. Scott Allard.

Allard said an investigation indicates that an oil tanker was traveling northbound on Forest Road while a passenger vehicle was traveling southbound.

Officers were told that the southbound vehicle crossed over the center line into the northbound lane and struck the oil tanker head-on, according to Allard.

Allard said the tanker rolled over as the result of the collision and the passenger vehicle spun out on Forest Road.

Oil from the tanker spilled onto the roadway.

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection responded to the scene shortly after to assess and assist with the spill, according to Allard.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, according to Allard.

“The operator of the oil tanker was evaluated on scene, reported being shaken up, and declined medical treatment,” Allard wrote in a news release.

Forest Road between Orange Terrace and Bristol Street will remain closed until 12 noon on Friday as cleanup and the investigation continue, according to Allard.