Joint Efforts Avoid a Catastrophy

On the morning of August 1st, Iselin Fire Districts 11 & 9 were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle accident with multiple vehicles involved. The first arriving units medically assessed the occupants of all vehicles involved and began to secure all hazards on scene. Shortly into this process, firefighters reported that a fuel tanker trailer that was parked at nearby gas station was struck by another vehicle. Upon further investigation, rescue personnel discovered gasoline fumes leaking from an underground storage tank underneath that tanker. An immediate request for the Middlesex County Hazardous Material Response Team was made. As the Haz-Mat team responded, the personnel on scene began to prepare by establishing fire suppression by use of firefighting foam and isolating the area. The Offices of Emergency Management from both Woodbridge Township and nearby Edison Township responded to assist. With firefighters and Haz-Mat specialist at the ready, the vehicle was pulled away from the tanker by a tow truck and underground fuel storage was re-secured. Due to the joint efforts of all emergency personnel involved, all hazards of this accident were mitigated quickly and safely.