Propane leak reduces northbound Highway 17 to one lane in Scotts Hill

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Northbound U.S. Highway 17 has been reduced to one lane in the Scotts Hill area as emergency crews work to resolve a propane leak.

Pender County Emergency Services says an underground propane tank has been identified as the source of the leak.

Hazardous materials personnel have connected specialized equipment to the tank and are conducting a controlled burn-off of the remaining propane. Officials say the procedure is intended to safely remove the remaining propane from the tank and mitigate the hazard.

Emergency crews remain at the scene, including Pender County Emergency Services, the Wilmington Fire Department Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team, Pender County Sheriff’s Office, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina Emergency Management.

Northbound Highway 17 will remain reduced to a single lane in the Scotts Hill area until the operation is completed.

Drivers are asked to slow down and give emergency crews and equipment additional room along the roadway. Officials are also encouraging motorists to avoid the area if possible and allow additional time for travel.

Emergency personnel will continue monitoring the situation, and additional updates are expected as conditions change.