The Kings District RCMP charged a man with impaired driving following a significant propane leak that led to the evacuation of several businesses in New Minas, Nova Scotia, last week. The incident unfolded around 5:50 p.m. on September 29, when officers responded to reports of a leak from a large propane tank in a parking lot near a Canadian Tire on Commercial Street.
Emergency crews acted swiftly to manage the situation, initiating evacuations while police closed nearby roads to ensure public safety. The leak was attributed to damage inflicted on the tank when a propane truck, which had just filled the tank, departed the site with the hose still attached. This mishap resulted in the tank being compromised and caused the propane to leak into the vicinity.
According to police reports, as the truck drove away, the attached hose struck another vehicle parked in the lot, leading to injuries for the driver of that vehicle, who was treated on the scene by Emergency Health Services (EHS).
In response to the situation, the RCMP contacted the company that owns the propane truck. Upon returning to the scene, the driver of the truck was evaluated by officers, who suspected him of being impaired. The police requested that he take a breath test, which he failed. Subsequently, the 46-year-old man from North Kentville was transported to a detachment where he provided two additional samples, showing alcohol levels of 180 mg% and 170 mg%, both of which are significantly above the legal limit for driving.
The man was released from custody but is now awaiting trial to face charges related to impaired driving. Thankfully, firefighters were able to bring the propane leak under control, and, beyond the individual injury caused by the hose striking the vehicle, no other injuries were reported during the incident.
This event highlights the importance of safety measures when handling potentially hazardous materials. The quick response from emergency services and law enforcement underscores their commitment to public safety in the face of dangerous situations.
