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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Fatal crash closes Buckeye Road

A fatal accident Nov. 11 has left Buckeye Road, Upper Milford Township, closed indefinitely as crews work to clean up a fuel oil spill.

According to state police, James Heller, 61, of Macungie, was killed in the crash when his vehicle, traveling westbound on Buckeye Road, struck a tanker truck attempting to turn into the eastbound lane of travel from Tank Farm Road.

PennDOT maintenance crews are partnering with environmental consultants and working to discover the effects of 5,000 gallons of fuel oil spilled in the two-vehicle accident which occurred just before 11 p.m.

Upper Milford Township Manager Daniel Delong said the road bed may have to be ripped up to fully repair the damaged roads. He said the decision will be made after an environmental consulting company determines how extensive the damage to the roadway is.

The affected portion of the road includes 500 feet in both lanes of travel from the accident site on Buckeye Road and 500 feet of Tank Farm Road.

"This is a major problem," Delong said. "The rain (Nov. 13) is compounding things for the 20 to 30 people out there working right now."

Delong said citizens should be aware of the closure and be careful on other major routes in the township as traffic congestion could develop as work on the road is conducted. He said PennDOT, environmental crews and the township are working as fast as possible to get the cleanup done thoroughly and swiftly.

Pennsylvania State Police said they are working to find the cause of the accident and have asked any witnesses to contact the Fogelsville barracks at 610-395-1438.