Propane Tank Leak Sends Hazmat To Westmoreland Co.
SOUTH GREENSBURG (KDKA) -- Several businesses were evacuated this morning after a massive propane tank began leaking in an industrial area of Westmoreland County.
The first reports of a propane odor came in just after 9 a.m.
Authorities then tracked the source of the odor to a 30,000-pound propane tank along Broad Street Extension in South Greensburg at Ferrellgas.
Businesses in the immediate area were evacuated while crews worked to contain the leak.
"Propane stays low to the ground, which spreads out, which is highly flammable and also spreads out quickly unless contained. So, of course, the main problem is explosion," said Chief Eric Hardy, of South Greensburg.
The Hazmat team and dozens of firefighters were called in.
In an attempt to close off the leaking valve, crews shot water onto it as the super cold gas was coming out of the tank, hoping to form a giant ice cap and clog the valve.
Because hydrants in the area were frozen though, crews had to wait for tankers to be brought in.
The leak is now contained.
Crews are working now to off-load the remaining gas. That should be finished in the next couple of hours.
Hazmat crews are expected to be there all day.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
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