State Police from Troop A in Southbury responded at a reported motor vehicle accident eastbound exits 16-17 on Interstate 84.  The accident involved a truck and tractor trailer carrying propane.  The propane tank was over-pressurized due to the crash and is off-gassing from the emergency pressure valve. 

   The highway was immediately closed to eastbound traffic while the propane tank releases over-pressured gas so it can be towed safely from the scene. All eastbound traffic is being directed off the highway at exit #16.  Troopers turned vehicles around that were stranded between the exits 16 and 17 and got them off the highway at exit #16.

   Middlebury Fire Department, DEP and DOT all responded to the scene. The driver of the box truck complained of minor injuries; he was transported from the scene to an area hospital.

   The product is being off loaded and this process must be completed before the highway will be re-opened and the truck towed from the scene.

   It is estimated the highway will remain closed until sometime after 6 p.m.  Traffic on the eastbound side of the highway is completely backed up for miles due to this crash and will remain so until the scene is cleared. 

###END###

LT. J. Paul Vance