Propane leak prompts evacuations and road closures on Washington Street

Aug 4

(1-minute read)

The Reading Fire Department and Reading Police Department are responding to a propane gas tank leak in the area of 215 Washington Street. As a safety precaution, the area has been evacuated while crews await the State Hazmat Team and Bomb Squad.

The following roads are closed:

Washington Street from John Street to Main Street
Green Street from Eliot Street to John Street

The Reading Public Library is open as a cool place to wait for anyone temporarily evacuated from their home.

This is a developing situation. Check the Reading Fire Department and Reading Police Department Facebook pages for the latest updates.

Update from the Reading Police Department, August 4, 5:56 pm:

“All roads are back open and residents can return to their homes. The area is safe and The Reading Fire Department has removed the dangerous leaking tank. Thank you for your cooperation!”

Update from the Reading Fire Department, August 5, 10:30 am:

“Just after 3:00 PM yesterday, a first alarm assignment responded to a Washington Street home for a leaking propane tank. On arrival they found a 20-pound cylinder leaking from the side with a possible bulge. Even a 20-pound tank can produce a 30-foot fireball and send debris and shrapnel more than 100 feet.

A Tier 1 Haz‑Mat response was requested, and because of the potential for explosion the State Police Bomb Squad was also called in. Out of an abundance of caution, nearby residences on Washington and Green streets were evacuated.

The Haz‑Mat team confirmed the tank was leaking but not in immediate danger of rupturing. It was moved to a remote location, vented, emptied, and made safe for disposal.

We’d like to thank the Reading Police, MA Department of Fire Services Haz‑Mat Team, State Police Bomb Squad, Armstrong Ambulance, Boston Sparks A10 Rehab, Reading DPW, and our mutual‑aid partners for their support during this extended incident.”