Propane Tank Rupture Prompts Hazmat Response In Riverside County

GAVILAN HILLS, CA — An ATV crashed into a 1,000-gallon propane tank outside a Gavilan Hills home Monday, triggering a leak that prompted a hazardous materials cleanup but no evacuations.

The hazmat emergency was reported shortly after 3 p.m. Monday in the area of Vanderhill Circle and Western Crest Drive, in the unincorporated community just south of Lake Mathews, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and found the propane tank compromised, spilling product as a result of the ATV crash, in which no one was injured.

Firefighters directed residents nearby to shelter in place, refraining from a mandatory evacuation order, which crews initially thought would be necessary. However, they were able to quickly stanch the leak.

As of 3:45 p.m., cleanup operations were underway, according to officials at the scene.

Sheriff's deputies were investigating the cause of the crash.

— City News Service