U.S. 17 reopens in Scotts Hill following propane leak

SCOTTS HILL, NC (WWAY) — All lanes of U.S. Highway 17 in the Scotts Hill area have reopened following a propane leak involving an underground storage tank, according to Pender County Emergency Services.

Emergency crews remain at the scene as hazardous materials personnel work to safely mitigate the incident.

The Wilmington Fire Department Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team has placed equipment on the tank to facilitate a controlled burn-off of the remaining propane.

Pender County Emergency Services said the highway is fully open, but drivers should use caution while traveling through the area and watch for emergency personnel, vehicles and equipment near the roadway.

Motorists are also being asked to slow down and give crews room to safely complete their work.

Emergency personnel will remain at the scene until the operation is complete and the area has been determined to be safe.

Responding agencies include Pender County Emergency Services, Wilmington Fire Department, Pender County Sheriff’s Office, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina Emergency Management.