Propane Truck Rolls Near Richmond; Roads Closed North of Town

(KNSI) — Emergency crews responded to a serious crash involving a leaking propane truck approximately 4.5 miles north of Richmond on Wednesday morning.

The crash was reported at 7:35 a.m. at the intersection of County Road 42 and County Road 161 in Farming Township. A Wenners Gas Company propane truck had rolled onto its side and slid into a ditch, plowing into a power box and several trees with the injured driver still inside as the truck began leaking propane. The driver was taken to CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital by Paynesville Ambulance. The extent of injuries is not yet known.

Stearns Electric shut off power to the affected area due to the propane leak and the truck’s contact with the power box. Because of the volume of propane being transported, roads in the area will remain closed for an extended period while propane dissipates and before the truck can be safely removed.

County Road 42 from County Road 9 to 218th Avenue is closed and County Road 161 at 260th Street is closed to northbound traffic, and drivers must avoid the area.

The preliminary investigation shows heavy fog in the area contributed to the crash. Authorities say the driver was traveling northbound on County Road 161 when the T-intersection at County Road 42 appeared sooner than expected. The driver attempted a left turn westbound, causing the truck to roll.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Cold Spring/Richmond Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue, Paynesville Ambulance, and Stearns Electric.

Updates will be provided as the situation develops.

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