NEW MINAS, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA — A propane truck driver who caused a major tank leak and forced the evacuation of several businesses in New Minas by driving away with a delivery hose still connected returned to the scene when contacted by police — and blew more than double the legal limit on a breathalyzer test.
Kings District RCMP and other first responders were called to a parking lot on Commercial Street associated with several businesses around 5:50 p.m. on September 29 after a significant propane leak was reported from a large tank on the property. Fire services immediately began evacuating nearby businesses and officers helped close roads in the area.
After crews brought the leak under control, investigation revealed that a propane truck had filled the large tank and then driven away with the delivery hose still attached, damaging the tank and causing the leak. As the truck left the lot, the dragging hose struck another vehicle. The driver of that vehicle reported injuries and was treated on scene by EHS. No other injuries were reported by bystanders or first responders.
RCMP contacted the company that owned the propane truck and the driver returned to the parking lot. Officers noted signs of alcohol impairment. The driver provided a roadside breath sample into an approved screening device which resulted in a fail. He was arrested and transported to the Kings District RCMP Detachment in New Minas, where he provided two breath samples registering 180 mg% and 170 mg% — more than double Canada’s legal limit of 80 mg%.
The 46-year-old from North Kentville was released pending a future court appearance scheduled for November on charges related to impaired driving.
To report a suspected impaired driver, call 911.
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