Evacuation In Palmer Due To Propane Truck Crash
PALMER (CBS/AP) -- A section of downtown Palmer was evacuated Friday night because of a propane truck that crashed.
Officials evacuated a square mile area centered at the intersection of Rt. 32 and Blanchard Rd. The 18-wheeler tractor trailer crashed into a utility pole on Rt. 32, which is also known as South Main St. Some of the lines attached to the pole fell on the truck, including a high voltage line, which caught the truck on fire.
The crash happened at 7:40 p.m.
"We have something similar to reverse 911 and brought in additional manpower to go door to door," Sgt. Christopher Burns of Palmer Police explains how the evacuations were made.
City Council Paul Burns told WBZ-TV that he heard that the tanker is mostly empty.
WBZ-TV's Jonathan Elias reports from Palmer
Officials explained to WBZ-TV's Jonathan Elias that because there's such little gas in the truck it leaves more room for fumes, which create a volatile situation.
A dispatcher for the Palmer Fire Department told WBZ News Radio's Kim Tunnicliffe that there were no injuries in the crash.
Sgt. Matthew Murray speaks with WBZ News Radio's Kim Tunnicliffe about the crash
Podcast
A state police helicopter with thermal imaging equipment was also flying over the crash site, providing local police with information on hotspots.
No word on what caused the crash.
(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
