Overview
- A semitrailer carrying pressurized propane overturned in the Cuesta de los Terneros, which occurred Thursday afternoon, and a leak from a tank valve forced a full closure of National Route 144 at km 685.
- Police, hazardous-material firefighters, VANT drone teams, Policía Vial and Gendarmería established a wide safety perimeter and called a specialized transfer team from Cipolletti to remove the fuel.
- Crews completed repositioning and entered a second phase of the trasvase, and authorities are targeting to reopen RN144 around midnight after the transfer and movement of the empty container to a secure area.
- Drivers are being detoured via Ruta 40 for Mendoza–Malargüe traffic and through Valle Grande/Cañón del Atuel for light vehicles while heavy and passenger transport are prohibited on the mountain detour, and local schools in El Nihuil suspended morning classes.
- Because propane is a flammable, pressurized liquefied gas, officials say the road will remain closed until firefighters confirm safe conditions and a crane and a heavy trailer arrive to remove the emptied cisterna, with final extraction planned for Saturday morning.