Aggrostats

June 9, 2008

Propane Tank Damaged in Franklin Parish Crash

On June 9, 2008 at about 5:30 am Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers investigated a one vehicle crash in Franklin Parish which involved a tractor-trailer and a propane tank. The crash occurred near the intersection of LA 17 and LA 4 when a 2006 Volvo truck pulling a tanker trailer filled with a hot liquid asphalt product ran of the roadway and into a private business.

The truck was traveling south bound on LA 17 at the intersection with LA 4 (westbound) when it ran off the left side of the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the truck hit a tree on the property of Macon Ridge Propane Company. The truck then hit and went into the business at this location.The tanker trailer hit a 250 gallon propane tank at the business which caused a small leak of propane at the crash site. The roads near the business were immediately closed and traffic was routed around the area as a precautionary measure.

The Louisiana State Police Emergency Services unit was called to scene and they were able to shut off a valve on the propane tank to stop the leak. The road was re-opened at about 8:00 am after the area was determined to be safe.

The tanker trailer did not rupture in the crash and did not release any of its product. There was a quantity of diesel fuel and other engines fluids spilled at the scene and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality will do an on-site evaluation to determine the amount of clean up that will be necessary.

The driver, identified as 53 year old Michael L. Hurst from Dubach, LA received moderate injuries in the crash and has been transported to the LSU-Shreveport hospital for treatment. Initial statements received from Hurst suggest that he may have fallen asleep prior to the crash. Hurst was issued a citation for Careless Operation.

For More Information, Contact:

Trooper Mark Dennis
Louisiana State Police
Troop F Public Affairs
Office: (318) 345-2810
www.lsp.org