In the tranquil wilderness surrounding the Little Lehigh Creek, a peaceful day at the Wildlands Conservancy was interrupted by the crack of wood and the screech of tires.
Around noon on April 29, a propane truck headed for one of the houses beyond the Wildlands fell into the water after the bridge collapsed under its weight.
The bridge, while old, was cleared for use as long as crossing vehicles did not exceed the weight limit — which the truck surpassed, according to fire officials.
“The bridge is rated for five tons,” Environmental Educator at the Wildlands Conservancy and EHS junior Jackson Kraft said. “There is a sign that very clearly says it right behind that truck.”
The driver of the truck was temporarily stuck in the cabin and could not exit on their own due to the position of the fallen truck. First responders safely rescued the driver and confirmed that no one was harmed.
While the intended destination of the truck is not yet known, staff members say it was not associated with the Wildlands Conservancy.
“We do have a separate access point for vehicles like this,” Kraft said. “I don’t believe that this was a vehicle coming to us because we have gotten rid of all of our propane fixtures, and they’ve all turned to electric. There are a couple of houses that are back [behind the conservancy], and I believe that this propane truck was probably going to one of them.”
Senior Seoryung Park was at the conservancy with the National Art Honor Society on a field trip at the time of the accident. While drawing at the lake with their friends, Park witnessed the propane truck crossing the bridge while it collapsed.
“My immediate worry would be for the wildlife that lives in the area, especially the aquatic ones, because those are often more susceptible to changes in their environment,” Park said.
Propane is highly flammable and has the potential to damage the ecosystem of the Little Lehigh, but no leak occurred during the crash, a fire official at the scene confirmed. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to discuss the situation.
“Right now, there is zero environmental impact,” the fire official said. “There is no fuel that leaked. There is no propane that leaked. We have it contained.”
As of publication, there is no estimate available for when the bridge will be operational again, nor when the road around the bridge will be reopened.
“I’m supposed to be off at five, and I don’t expect to get home until after dark,” the fire official said.
