Driver Shears Dumpster Forks Off Garbage Truck

RAMAPO, NY — The driver of a garbage truck left the front dumpster forks in the upright position and drove onto a bridge in Hillburn on Feb. 6, New York State environmental conservation officers said. He left a lot of the truck behind.

ECO Corey Hornicek was on patrol in the village when he came across a Ramapo police officer blocking a road. Hornicek learned that a garbage truck had hit the bridge ahead and was leaking hydraulic fluid and fuel. The truck driver had left the truck’s front dumpster forks in the air and tried to traverse the bridge.

The forks struck the suspension part of the bridge and were ripped from the truck, damaging the hydraulic system on the truck and puncturing the passenger fuel tank.

DEC spills staff also responded and New York State Police conducted a thorough inspection of the truck. The roadway was cleaned up by a professional environmental response company.

Hornicek issued a ticket for depositing a noisome or unwholesome substance on a public highway, returnable to the Village of Hillburn Court.