Overturned LPG tanker triggers road closure, evacuation

NAGA CITY — Authorities closed a section of the national highway in Camarines Sur and evacuated nearby residents Sunday after an overturned tanker truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas began leaking.

Libmanan Mayor Edelson Marfil announced that traffic along the highway in Sitio Poktol, Barangay Sibujo, was shut down at 1:50 p.m. Sunday to facilitate emergency clearing and recovery operations.

Reports disclosed that the heavy-duty tanker overturned along the shoulder of the road around 2:45 p.m. Saturday.

Emergency responders ordered the preemptive evacuation of residents living near the boundary of Barangays Sibujo and Sigamot late Saturday night after localized gas fumes were reported in the surrounding area.

“The temporary road closure is necessary to facilitate the safe clearing, recovery, and removal of the LPG tanker from the area and to ensure the safety of motorists, responding authorities, and nearby residents,” Marfil said in a public advisory.

Local police and Bureau of Fire Protection personnel remained on site Sunday monitoring the vessel’s pressure and containment integrity while specialized recovery teams prepared to purge and haul the vehicle.

Municipal authorities established alternate detour routes for light vehicles traveling between Naga City and Sipocot, routing motorists through secondary roads in Cabusao and neighboring barangays.

Heavy commercial vehicles were advised to delay transit until the main artery reopens.

Officials said the highway will remain closed until hazardous material crews safely secure the tanker and clear the roadway. An investigation into the cause of the rollover is ongoing.