Driver Rescued After Fuel Oil Truck Rolls Over In Saugus

SAUGUS (CBS) -- The driver of a fuel oil truck was temporarily pinned when the truck rolled over early Tuesday afternoon in Saugus.

The accident took place near the intersection of Sampson Street and Dewey Street.

After arriving on scene, Saugus firefighters were able to extract the driver out of the truck cab through the windshield. Police say the 46-year-old unidentified man suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

Prior to first responders arriving, area residents rushed to assist.

"The driver said 'My legs are pinned. Can you?' and I said 'Stay like you are right now. They're on their way, the apparatus and everybody are on their way to help you. Just be calm and I won't leave you until they come,' " Bob Belschner said.

The neighbors were afraid of the danger of leaking fuel, but they didn't hesitate.

"The guy was trapped in there and he was like, 'Oh my God, my legs are pinned. Help us.' and we were told we had already called 911 and they were like, 'No, don't move or touch or move anything,' " Kathy Belschner added.

The driver's injuries are not believed to be serious. Approximately one hundred gallons of oil leaked out. The truck has been uprighted. Now comes the investigation.

"The one occupant of the motor vehicle was trapped inside briefly. He sustained minor injuries. He's been transported to a local hospital for evaluation. We'll work with State Police to determine the cause of the accident," Saugus Police Lt. Ron Giorgetti told reporters.

The Saugus Department of Public Works deployed booms and sand to control the oil spill.

Police said state environmental officials are on scene.