Leaking Tank Causes Panic

The Cedar Knolls and Whippany Fire Departments along with mutual aid from the Morris Township Fire Department and Morris County Hazmat team responded to the corner of Horsehill Road and East Hanover Avenue for the report of a leaking propane tank. A police officer saw a vapor cloud on East Hanover Avenue and pulled the truck over which was carrying a damaged cylinder that was picked up from Agway. Approximately 40 employees were evacuated to a business nearby the facilty until the scene was rendered clear. Chief Davidson was concerned the spreading gas would ignite and lead back to the cylinder causing a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion). Firefighters were able to secure the cylinder by placing an "overpack cap" on the damaged portion and re-secured it to the transport truck which was then transported and escorted to Suburban Propane. Suburban Propane had no connection to the cylinder but accepted it. No injuries were reported.