Motorists found themselves trapped in an unexpected traffic jam today when a big-rig tanker loaded with 9,400 gallons of propane fuel rolled over on the 405 Freeway in Sherman Oaks.
The rollover north of the transition road from the southbound San Diego (405) Freeway to the eastbound Ventura (101) Freeway yielded just a small oil leak from the vehicle's motor. There was no propane leak, no fire and no injury, said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the scene at 6:52 a.m., Humphrey said.
The 51-year-old driver of the tanker was taken to an area hospital for precautionary reasons, the California Highway Patrol said.
Caltrans closed the San Diego (405) Freeway in both directions between the Ventura (101) Freeway and Burbank Boulevard for much of the day as the LAFD coordinated the transfer of the 9,400 gallons of propane fuel to another vehicle and the removal of the tanker by a private tow service, Humphrey said.
The road was cleared and the freeway reopened at 2:50 p.m., according to the CHP.
