Clifton neighbors concerned about chemical spill

CLIFTON, N.J. (PIX11) -- Residents on Normandy Road in Clifton expressed concern Tuesday about the flammable chemicals from Monday’s tanker explosion on Route 3.

“It smelled like gasoline but stronger, and it burns your eyes when you’re back there,” said Arturo Gaviria, referencing his backyard, which is steeped in chemicals. Gaviria said hazmat crews have been using vacuums and powders to absorb everything.

Gaviria said his family had to sleep elsewhere last night because of the chemicals, and that his children were advised not to play in their backyard Tuesday. He is concerned about who will pay for the mitigation.

“I don’t know who’s gonna take care of my backyard,” said Gaviria. “The insurance company said they don’t cover hazardous materials, so I don’t know what to do.”

Dr. Wayne Gangi, a dentist with a nearby practice, said the fumes from the chemicals aggravated his breathing. “I’m an asthmatic,” said Gangi. “I came over here yesterday and I was wheezing the rest of the day.”

Another neighbor, Rumal Ahmed, said he is concerned about possible long-term effects the chemicals could have on his baby girl. “Yesterday, I’ve been staying inside with the windows shut and the humidifier on, just to be safe,” said Ahmed. “Today, I really haven’t taken my baby out for a walk or anything else.”

PIX11 News also spoke with a passenger on the NJ Transit bus involved in the crash with the tanker.

“All of a sudden I felt an impact,” said Thomas Ostendorp, who said he was about eight rows back on the bus.

Ostendorp said the bus driver thankfully did not stay close to the tanker after the crash. “We were pretty lucky that the bus kept going forward,” said Ostendorp. “Because I think if it had gotten stuck next to the truck with those explosions, it really could’ve been a different end result.”