Interstate 80 closed in Placer County after propane tanker overturns; possible gas leak
Authorities on Monday afternoon closed Interstate 80 in both directions just north of Auburn due to a possible gas leak after a truck hauling a propane tank overturned and crashed on the side of the road.
The single-vehicle crash was reported shortly before 2:30 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol Auburn Area Office. The CHP said the propane tanker overturned and went down an embankment before coming to rest on its wheels along the westbound lanes of I-80.
The freeway was closed in both directions due to a possible propane leak, the CHP said. Officers asked the public to avoid the area.
About 3:45 p.m., Caltrans announced that eastbound traffic was being diverted at Applegate Road and westbound traffic was being diverted at Weimar Cross Road in Colfax. Caltrans officials said there was no estimated time for the freeway’s reopening, and they advised drivers to use alternate routes.
The crash occurred on an exit ramp in the Heather Glen area, a few miles north of Auburn. The propane tanker went off the road and down a dirt hill, according to the CHP online dispatch log.
About 3:10 p.m., the CHP reported that this would likely be a long-term road closure. A hazardous materials team was called to the scene.
The CHP said the crash resulted in major injuries. It wasn’t clear who exactly was injured.
Caltrans warned drivers there is a hazardous materials area nearby, and asked them to not use local roads to get around the closed portion of I-80. Alternate routes safe and available to use include highways 49, 20 and 174.
