UPDATE: A serious propane leak caused by a vehicle crash has shut down part of Route 7A in Shaftsbury for over two hours, creating a hazardous situation late Saturday night, October 14, 2023. The incident, which began around 9:45 p.m., prompted immediate action from emergency services after reports of a leak from a 500-gallon underground propane tank at 3345 Route 7A near West Mountain Road.
Witnesses say a tractor-trailer attempting a U-turn may have caused the damage, but Shaftsbury Fire Chief Joe Vadakin indicated that tire marks did not confirm this. “We don’t know or even think it was a tractor-trailer,” Vadakin stated. The driver responsible fled the scene, leaving nearby residents in a precarious position.
In the wake of the leak, authorities evacuated adjacent homes as Vermont State Police (VSP) swiftly closed the road. Fire crews from multiple departments, including North Bennington, Bennington, and Arlington, responded to the emergency. They established a water curtain to help control the propane leak and protect public safety.
No injuries were reported, but the situation remained tense until a crew from Suburban Propane arrived to plug the leak and secure the tank. “Once that was done, we were able to pick up and leave, and people were able to go back into their homes,” Vadakin explained.
Emergency personnel remained on the scene until just after midnight, working to ensure the area was safe for residents to return. The VSP confirmed the incident is under investigation, and they have urged anyone with information to contact the VSP Shaftsbury Barracks.
Authorities are grateful for the rapid response from all agencies involved, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in such emergencies. The investigation continues, with officials committed to uncovering the details surrounding this alarming event.
