Photo from the scene Monday morning.
Police said a tanker truck carrying about 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel was not speeding when it rolled over on the James B. Atwater Bridge Monday morning.
Instead, a preliminary investigation conducted by Derby police with help from the state police truck squad indicated the “leaf springs” on the trailer failed as the driver made a left turn from New Haven Avenue onto the bridge heading toward Main Street.
Leaf springs are part of the truck’s suspension system and help to evenly distribute heavy loads.
The 46-year-old driver was not injured.
The tanker was registered to “Pool Water Pat, Inc.” of Wolcott. The company was ticketed for an equipment violation, which usually carries a fine of $272.
No other vehicles were involved. Witnesses told police the tanker wasn’t traveling unreasonably fast, but noted they heard a “popping” sound prior to the accident.
Police believe the noise was the leaf spring failing.
The truck’s tanker ruptured when it fell over, sending product into a sewer drain and into the river below.
Derby firefighters arrived quickly to plug the leak.
Crews from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded and estimated about 50 to 60 gallons spilled into the river. Absorbent booms were placed into the river to contain the mess.
