Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Trucking Accident Sparks Fire Off Old Willets Path

Driver snags on power lines while backing up, creating brush fire that damages the transformer.

A trucking accident sparked a fire off Old Willets Path in Hauppauge, near the former Sears building on Tuesday afternoon.

A construction truck backing up in the parking lot of 740 Old Willets Path snagged on power lines along the edges of the property at approximately 9 a.m., according to LIPA spokesman Mark Gross. The accident brought down the entire utility pole, breaking the cross arms and bringing the transformer down to the ground. The transformer spilled oil onto ground, Gross said, which started a brush fire.

Three engines from Hauppauge Fire Department responded to the blaze. Suffolk County police officers closed off Old Willets Path to traffic from Rabro Drive to Motor Parkway as firefighters worked to put out the blaze.

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The property owner's spokesman said no damage was done to the building. The fire did extensive damage to LIPA's electrical wires, knocking out power to two buildings.

"We have to reset a pole, we have to put the wires back up and we have to be environmentally responsible and make sure the oil is cleaned back up properly," Gross said.

Find out what's happening in Hauppaugewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Long Island Power Authority was reporting a power outages affecting less than five customers with hopes to restore power this evening.

A sign on the building's property announces the 17,255 square-foot offices is available for rent as of Fall 2011 under Rechler Equity. It is currently undergoing renovation.

Check Patch for updates on this breaking news as more information becomes available. Follow us on Twitter @HauppaugePatch or Facebook to be alerted to these updates.


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