A tense situation unfolded in Gunnison County on Friday, Nov. 15th, when a propane truck incident forced evacuations and road closures along County Road 3. The area, already on high alert, saw operations ramp up through the weekend as HazMat teams and emergency responders worked diligently to resolve the situation.
Propane Truck Incident Triggers Evacuations
The event began with a malfunction involving the valve on a propane truck, which led to safety concerns and prompted local authorities to take immediate action.
According to the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD), a HazMat team from the Colorado State Patrol was dispatched to address the issue. The valve on the truck required urgent repairs before it could be safely moved, delaying the situation further. As a precautionary measure, officials ordered evacuations to ensure public safety.
Residents in the immediate vicinity were asked to leave their homes until the situation was deemed stable. The evacuations were lifted by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, though experts continued to monitor the scene.
Road Closures and Repair Efforts
In the days following the incident, County Road 3 remained closed while crews focused on the necessary repairs to the propane truck. The CRFPD issued a statement on Monday, Nov. 18th, confirming that the closure would be in place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for repair work, with the potential for an extension to 6 p.m., depending on progress.
The propane truck’s valve, critical for its safe operation, required careful attention, and officials were intent on preventing any further issues.
Successful Resolution and Reopening
After several tense hours of repair work, the situation was successfully resolved. At 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 18th, the CRFPD announced that County Road 3 had been fully reopened.
Thanks to the swift action of local first responders, the HazMat team, and the CRFPD, the area was cleared without any further issues. No injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed that the propane truck was safely secured and removed from the area.
Ongoing Safety Measures
While the immediate danger has passed, local officials continue to monitor safety in the area and ensure that no lingering risks remain. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of prompt response to hazardous materials and the need for public cooperation in emergency situations.
