UPDATED: Crash Lands Trash Truck in Lake; Driver Climbed Out of Sinking Vehicle

Photo Credit: 7News/whdh.com

A trash truck crashed through a retaining wall in the area of 1650 Great Pond Road (Route 133) around 6 Thursday morning, and landed in Lake Cochichewick, according to North Andover Police.

North Andover Fire launched a boat to rescue the 27-year-old truck driver, who had climbed out of the truck while it was sinking. He was transported to Lawrence General Hospital with non­life threatening injuries, according to police.

Lake Cochichewick is used by the Town of North Andover as a source of water supply.

Due to the nature of the crash, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, state Department of Environmental Protection and Massachusetts State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement were called to the scene. North Andover Water Treatment staff, North Andover Board of Health officials and North Andover Department of Public Works also responded to assist.

DEP and the Town’s Water Department determined there is no ill effect on the town’s drinking water due to the minor amount of fuel that was spilled, and the quick response of containment and clean up.

After setting up preventative measures to minimize contamination, emergency workers were able to remove the truck from approximately 20 feet of water using heavy machinery from Coady’s Towing in Lawrence.

The trash truck is owned by JRM Hauling and Recycling of Peabody, Mass. After removal, the truck was transported to Coady’s where the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit will conduct a safety inspection. This will check for any mechanical or electrical issues that may have led to the crash.

North Andover Police are also continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.