Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

Update Oil Truck Fire State Route One – Bear

Date Posted: Saturday, August 6th, 2016

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Bear– State Police responded to an oil truck that caught fire early this morning near Bear.

The incident occurred around 7:24 a.m., Saturday August 6, 2016 as Virgil M. Patterson, 53 of Middletown, was operating a 2009 Freightliner Tanker truck, owned by Craft Oil Corporation, southbound on SR1 approaching School House Road. He heard a loud band and initially thought he had blown a tire, but smoke began billowing into the driver’s compartment. Patterson pulled the truck, which was carrying over 1000 gallons of engine oil, to the shoulder of the road where upon coming to a stop, the engine compartment became engulfed in flames. Patterson attempted to extinguish the flames with an on-board fire extinguisher, but was unable to put out the fire which was quickly spreading. A passerby assisted moving Patterson out of the close proximity of the truck until the local fire company could arrive to put the fire out. He was not injured in the incident.

DNREC, DelDOT, and Belvedere Hazmat teams remained on scene for approximately three and a half hours while the clean up of the contaminants was conducted. Traffic was also impacted during those three and a half hours with lane restrictions.

Released: 080616 1845

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Bear– The left lane of SR1 southbound is now open. Commuters should expect delays in the area and should find alternates routes of travel.

Released: 080616 0815

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**Traffic Advisory** Oil Truck Fire State Route One – Bear

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Bear– Troopers, DNREC, and Fire Department Hazmat Teams are currently on the scene of a fire involving a oil truck.

SR1 southbound between Wrangle Hill Road (SR72) and Red Lion Road (SR7) is currently closed and will remain closed for an unknown period of time.

Commuters should expect delays in the area and should find alternates routes of travel.

Released: 080616 0800