Update: Propane spill leads to evacuations of 50 households in Albemarle County

Update: Monday, 7:47 p.m. Crews remain on scene as the propane continues to be released from the overturned vehicle.

The evacuation zone has been reduced to two homes.

Affected residents may now return to the area by traveling to VDOT checkpoints located at Ortman Road and Miller School Road. At these checkpoints, residents will be asked to verify their address before being allowed access.

Residents will not be able to drive directly to their homes due to ongoing operations and emergency equipment in the area. Once beyond the checkpoints, residents may walk to their homes to retrieve belongings or pets. Residents may remain in their homes if conditions are deemed safe.

Plank Road remains closed to through traffic. Only residents directly impacted by this incident will be permitted past the checkpoints.

• Residents west of the incident (Plank Road at Jenevan Lane) should enter via Ortman Road
• Residents east of the incident (Plank Road at Jenevan Lane) should enter via Miller School Road

While the scene is secure, this remains an active incident. If you smell gas within your home, call 911 so crews can respond and check your residence.

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First post: Monday, 3:38 p.m. Albemarle County emergency crews are on the scene at a propane truck crash that forced the evacuation of 50 residents in the Afton area.

The accident was reported at 9:23 a.m. in the 7500 block of Plank Road.

The accident led to a propane leak, and emergency managers on the scene set an evacuation radius for a half-mile perimeter around the scene.

Both lanes of Plank Road are expected to remain closed for an extended period as hazardous materials crews work to safely mitigate the incident.

Displaced residents are expected to be able to return to their homes by the end of the day.

At this time, no environmental impacts are anticipated. Current weather conditions, including clear skies and a light breeze, are aiding in the dissipation of propane vapors.

This incident remains under active investigation by the Albemarle County Fire Marshal’s Office.