Minnesota Firefighters Respond To Propane-Truck Rollover; 4-Mile Stretch Of Highway Closed

It took emergency crews most of Friday to clear the scene of a fatal propane-truck rollover and leak, forcing authorities to close a 4-mile stretch on southbound Minnesota 316 and Otero Avenue near Hastings. Two homes in the rural area also were evacuated during cleanup of the highly flammable liquid.

The incident occurred at 2:37 a.m., when a propane tanker hit a guardrail on the right side of the road and then rolled into the ditch, killing the driver. The driver has not been identified and the Minnesota State Patrol is still investigating the cause of the accident.

Kevin Smith, spokesman for the State Patrol, said it was fortunate there were no safety or environmental issues relating to the explosive material.

"With propane, the biggest concerns are fire and explosion," he said.

Sam Brungardt, public information officer for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, said that when the propane liquid was released, it dissipated into the atmosphere and was quickly diluted.

He said the only lingering effect that might be noticeable for a few days is an odorant added to the propane to help identify if there is a leak.

"It poses no hazard," Brungardt said.

Emergency crews stopped the leak shortly after the incident and then began the long process of transferring 9,400 gallons of propane.

Six agencies the Hastings Fire Department, the Hastings Police Department, the Dakota County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota State Patrol, St. Paul Fire Department hazardous materials crew and the Minnesota Department of Transportation responded to the incident.