FAYETTE COUNTY AUTHORITIES HANDLE DICEY SITUATION MONDAY

  

Fayette County authorities had a dicey situation on their hands Monday evening after a truck carrying propane overturned on Highway 159.

Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that around 8:30 Monday evening, an 18 wheeler transporting 8000 gallons of propane had wrecked and was on its side on Highway 159 near Darden Loop in Willow Springs.  The driver was able to crawl out of the cab, but the 18 wheeler blocked both lanes of traffic.  To add to the problem, a land owner near the accident was burning several piles of brush.  Residents in the vicinity were evacuated and the Fayetteville and Round Top - Warrenton Fire Departments stood by as the truck was carefully up righted.  The trailer carrying propane was disconnected and removed for the scene.  Residents in the area were allowed to return to their homes when the all safe was given at 2:00 AM.  The driver of the 18 wheeler, Kevin Lee Johnson, 56 of Conroe, was arrested after being treated at St. Marks Hospital and charged with driving while intoxicated.  He was transported to the Fayette County Jail.