Accident with tractor trailer, passenger vehicle prompts hazmat response in Sterling

STERLING, Mass. — A crash between a tractor trailer and a passenger vehicle prompted a hazmat response in Sterling on Friday, fire officials said Saturday.

No injuries were reported and there was no danger to area residents, fire officials said.

Police and fire responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash at Redemption Rock Trail and Princeton Road in Sterling shortly before 5 p.m. Friday.

When crews arrived, they discovered an odor emanating from containers inside the tractor trailer, which had a sign that read, “Flammable.” The state Hazardous Materials Team, which also responded, later designated the hazmat response to Tier 2, which means a short-term response with limited product release.

A preliminary investigation found that a container of resin solution had opened. The trailer also contained containers of organic peroxide, but those had not opened, officials said.

Crews worked for several hours to transfer the materials to another box truck, and later removed by New England Disposal Technologies Inc., the company hired by the trucking company for cleanup, fire officials said.

The hazmat team also placed air monitors around the scene to ensure no harmful vapors extended beyond the trailer.

Traffic was detoured as the hazmat responders worked at the scene. Redemption Rock Trail and Princeton Road were temporarily closed at Burpee Road, Dana Hill Road and Greenland Road.

Sterling is a small town in Worcester County.

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