Overturned propane truck leads to evacuation of 50 homes, closure of Albemarle road

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- An overturned propane truck in Albemarle County prompted the evacuation of about 50 homes and the closure of Plank Road Monday morning.

Just before 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 6, career and volunteer personnel from Albemarle County Fire Rescue and the Albemarle County Police Department were called to the 7500 block of Plank Road in Afton for a report of an overturned propane truck.

According to the fire department, crews arrived within 11 minutes and determined that propane was leaking from the vehicle.

A half-mile evacuation radius was established, leading to about 50 homes being evacuated "out of an abundance of caution," authorities said.

Both lanes of Plank Road will be closed for an extended period as hazardous materials crews work to safely clear the incident.

"Displaced residents are expected to be able to return to their homes by the end of the day," officials said.

Fire officials said there are no environmental impacts as of the time of reporting, but current weather conditions, including clear skies and a light breeze, are helping in the dissipation of propane vapors.

Albemarle County Fire Marshal's Office continues to investigate the incident.