Derry Firefighters Evacuate Residents After Propane Tanker Crash

DERRY, NH - Derry Fire received a call for a motor vehicle accident Sunday afternoon involving a propane tanker on Chester Rd. A large response of apparatus was dispatched by Derry Fire due to the potentially dangerous situation.

First arriving personnel from Derry Fire found a 10,600-gallon liquid propane gas (LPG) tank tractor-trailer struck by two passenger vehicles.

One vehicle struck the driver's side of the truck and a second vehicle struck the undercarriage of the LPG tank in between the loading and off-loading assemblies. Additional Engines were dispatched from Derry Fire.

Derry Fire Battalion Chief Shawn M. Haggart said “ It was identified that the propane tank contained zero pressurized Liquid Propane, however nonpressurized liquid propane may remain. Companies confirmed that appropriate immediate emergency procedures had been followed by the driver following the collisions.

Out of an abundance of caution, following consultation with the Southeastern NH Regional Hazmat Team and the Safety Officer from the Propane Transportation Company, an evacuation zone was identified. Residents were asked to temporarily relocate. The evacuation zone included selected residences of Chester Rd, Grandview Ave, Beaver Rd, Country Rd, Reed St, Circle Dr, Lake St, and Water St. Up to 30 citizens were asked to temporarily evacuate.

With the assistance of local towing companies, both passenger vehicles were removed from the LPGTractor Trailer Unit and Tank without incident. The LPG Tank was evaluated for structural damage and the air was monitored for possible escaping gas.

The Tank was determined to be not structurally compromised and citizens were cleared to return to their residence.

Derry fire stations were covered by the Londonderry, Salem, Manchester, and Pelham Fire Departments. Derry police assisted with traffic and evacuation.

Battalion Chief Haggart said that no civilians or fire department personnel were injured.