The report describes the overturn of a tractor-semitrailer (tank) carrying liquid propane under pressure on U. S. Route 501 near Lynchburg, Va., on March 9, 1972. After overturning, the vehicle slid on its side and struck a rock embankment, which ruptured the tank shell and permitted the propane to escape. When the propane-air mixture ignited, two persons, including the truckdriver, were killed, and five others were injured. The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the cause of the overturn was the driving of the tractor-semitrailer on the wrong side of the road, and a subsequent evasive steering action which exceeded the limited capability of the truck to resist overturn. Contributing factors included a misleading traffic-control sign, an inadequate road-marking system, and the high center of gravity of the truck. The report contains recommendations to various Federal, State, and industry authorities.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Highway Accident Report Popane Tractor-Semitrailer Overturn and Fire. U. S. Route 501, Lynchburg, Virginia March 9, 1972


    Publication date :

    1973


    Size :

    29 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English