Authorities in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, ordered the evacuation of hundreds of houses after a fuel truck carrying around 6,000 gallons of diesel and gasoline overturned early Thursday, November 17. According to authorities, the truck driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police used reverse 911 calls and door-to-door patrols to evacuate homes within a 1,000-foot radius of the wrecked vehicle.

According to police, several departments and agencies had personnel on the scene. They will assess the extent of the spill, help with cleanup, and determine which homes are safe to enter again. Police said they are still investigating the events that led up to the crash.

West Union Boulevard was blocked off by police, and they are warning locals to stay away from the area if possible.

The American Red Cross tweeted about the event, saying that at the request of Northampton EMA, they were responding to the vicinity of Paul Ave & West Union Blvd in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania following a massive fuel leak affecting hundreds of houses. 

“At this time, this response (and spill) is still ongoing; we are providing canteen services to responders, organizing shelter teams to serve the evacuation location, and communicating with local officials to identify community needs and future actions.” 

A nearby middle school served as a temporary shelter for displaced families.