By:Karenlyn Barone
Residents of 63 apartments at The Penbrook had to be evacuated because of the overpowering smell of oil and the possibility that the crash may have caused structural damage to the building. "Miraculously, no one was hurt," said Lynbrook Mayor Eugene Scarpato.
The accident occurred at 1 p.m., but because of the extensive cleanup effort, the roads were not reopened until 10:15 p.m. Though there were no injuries, the evacuated residents were not allowed back into the building until stringent safety checks were completed on Tuesday.
"Due to a compromise in the structure of the building and to oil leaking into the building, the property was immediately evacuated," Lynbrook Fire Chief David Pearsall explained. The displaced residents were initially escorted to the Lynbrook Elks building across the street, and the Red Cross and Salvation Army were called in to provide snacks and emergency supplies. Eventually, according to Lynbrook's emergency management coordinator, Robert Cribbin, most of the residents found shelter with family or friends, and those who did not were placed in a nearby hotel for the night.
In addition to the Lynbrook Fire Department, the village's Emergency Management Office, the Nassau County Police Department, the Lynbrook Police Department and the Department of Public Works responded to the incident. Since the tanker was leaking oil, containment of the leak and treatment of the spill were top priorities. "We have an emergency task force set up, and Malverne, Valley Stream and Freeport came to help us with resident accountability," said Cribbin. "We then coordinated with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management to get all the resources we needed, and the Elks opened their doors for us."
Volunteers from the East Rockaway, Rockville Centre, Lakeview and Valley Stream fire departments also lent their assistance, along with the Malverne and East Rockaway departments of Public Works, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nassau County Emergency Services Unit, the Department of Health and a number of environmental clean-up companies.
It was estimated that less than 100 gallons of oil actually entered the apartment building, but approximately 1,800 gallons of fuel were not accounted for, according to officials on the scene.
On Tuesday, after a satisfactory air-quality test by the Nassau County Department of Health and a detailed inspection by an engineer called in by Mike Ryder, superintendent of the Lynbrook Building Department, all but six apartments were able to be reoccupied. "I went to the hotel to tell the residents they could return to their apartments, and we had the Lynbrook Village bus bring the people home," said Cribbin. "With the exception of those six apartments which are on the side of the building where the tanker hit, and a few doctors offices on the ground floor, everyone else is moved back in."
According to Scarpato, the Crawford Animal Hospital took in residents' pets Monday night. The following morning, the fire depatment's medical company transported one of the displaced residents to the Atria, an assisted-living facility, due to health issues not related to the accident.
"At times like these, it is imperative to have the support and assistance from our neighbors," said Pearsall. "Our neighboring departments were quick to respond, ready and willing to lend a helping hand, and for that, I thank each and every member on behalf of the Lynbrook Fire Department."
The cause of the accident had not been determined as the Herald went to press. It was reported that the driver of the tanker was issued a summons for driving with a bald tire and for having a faulty brake hose.
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
