ROCKPORT — For at least a brief time, the functioning noses of those standing downwind of Tolman Pond Market, on Route 90, in Rockport, inhaled a strong whiff of fuel. But, of course, it is a gas station. 

Rockport firefighters closed the section of Route 90 between Mill Street and, initially, West Street Extension, Wednesday night, Sept. 2, out of concern that a single-vehicle crash may have compromised a fuel tank in the gas station (Maritime Farms) parking lot. Warren firefighters assisted by closing the road from their end.

The barrier on the north side of the road was then moved to the Route 90/Route 17 intersection so drivers entering from that end didn't get all the way in before being turned around. The crash occured at approximately 8:15 p.m., causing significant front-end damage to the driver's vehicle.

The driver and her canine passenger appeared to be heading toward Warren, according to interim Police Chief James Greeley, in a Sept. 3 followup with PenBayPilot.com. The driver was treated at the scene, and then arrested and charged for Operating Under The Influence, Operating without a license, and Violation of Conditional Release. The uninjured dog was taken to a person she was familiar with, according to Greeley.

After tending to the patient and the vehicle, and acknowledging a leak in the fuel tank, firefighters stepped across to the opposite side of the road to await the Department of Environmental Protection. 

A couple of members of Rockland FD also responded to scene. 

As of 10:15 p.m., Sept. 2, the road remained closed. Rockland and Warren firefighters were back at their home stations by 11 p.m.