By 5 Towns Central Staff

NORTH LAWRENCE, NEW YORK (Aug. 19, 2026)

Update: The overturned trailer was finally flipped back over. Many residents have been asking if Rockaway Turnpike is back open.

As of 7:00 p.m., the roadway remains completely closed.

Update: The overturned trailer was finally flipped back over. Many residents have been asking if Rockaway Turnpike is back open. As of 7:00 p.m., the roadway remains completely closed. pic.twitter.com/gb8mL8LHCW

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) August 19, 2026

Update: Statement from NCPD –

“The Public Information Office reports the details of a Vehicular Accident that occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 11:08 a.m. in North Lawrence.

According to Police, a 42-year-old male was operating a 2024 Gasoline Tanker traveling eastbound on East Avenue when he attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Rockaway Turnpike. During the turn, the Gasoline Tanker overturned, causing a fuel spill. The Nassau County Fire Marshall, Nassau County OEM, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Nassau County Emergency Service Unit (ESU), Motor Carrier, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Meadowmere Park Fire Department and neighboring Fire departments all responded to the scene. The driver was evaluated at the scene but refused medical attention.”

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Update: Mayor Samuel Nahmias Issues Statement on Rockaway Turnpike Fuel Spill

“Our thoughts are with the truck driver and everyone impacted by today’s fuel spill on Rockaway Turnpike.

While North Lawrence falls outside the Incorporated Village of Lawrence, we are deeply grateful to our local fire, police, and hazmat response teams for their swift work to secure the scene and contain the environmental impact.

Protecting both the safety of our residents and our local environment remains a top priority, and we will closely monitor recovery efforts as crews work to safely clear and restore the area.”

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Update: The fire department is currently on scene spraying foam onto the fuel spill on the roadway.

They typically use Class B Firefighting Foam or specialized hydrocarbon encapsulating / vapor-suppressing foams. Applying foam stops ignition, smothers vapors, and cools the surface.

👨🏻‍🚒When emergency crews or fire departments spray foam onto an oil or fuel spill on a roadway, they are typically using Class B Firefighting Foam or specialized hydrocarbon encapsulating / vapor-suppressing foams. Applying foam stops ignition, smothers vapors, and cools the… pic.twitter.com/yGr3g8wBHM

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) August 19, 2026

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A large oil tanker has overturned on Rockaway Turnpike, causing a major roadway closure and significant traffic delays.

Fuel is leaking onto the roadway, prompting a large emergency response. Authorities have closed the area near Costco and are turning vehicles around. Access into the Five Towns from the opposite direction is also blocked, with traffic being stopped near Lowe’s.

Brookville is heavily backed up as well for drivers heading toward Rockaway.

Emergency crews are still setting up and assessing the scene, and it is unclear when inbound traffic will reopen. Drivers are urged to avoid Rockaway Turnpike and surrounding roads until further notice.

More updates to follow.

Accident/Closure: A large oil tanker flipped over on Rockaway Turnpike just now. Gas is leaking on the roadway, avoid the area! Expect heavy delays for a while. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/FLlgceNYci

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) August 19, 2026

More from Rockaway Turnpike. This is going to be a long clean-up! pic.twitter.com/lowtUhjWuO

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) August 19, 2026