Overturned propane truck shuts down Interstate 5

An overturned big-rig carrying 8,000 gallons of propane has prompted officials to shut down Interstate 5 at Valencia Boulevard.

The truck overturned at 1:06 p.m. on southbound Interstate 5 and came to a rest at the bottom of a ditch, on the west side of the freeway, between Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway.

Los Angeles County Fire Department officials say the driver had to be rescued from the wreckage after he lost control of the vehicle and rolled into the ditch.

CHP issued a SigAlert at 1:24 p.m. calling for the shutdown of all lanes heading south toward the Newhall Pass, as the impact sent odorized liquid propane into traffic lanes

Emergency response units responded to the TPC Golf Course in Westridge to get players off of courses.

Officials reopened lanes one and two at 2:30 p.m., but closed all lanes at 4:17 p.m. in preparation for uprighting the truck.

As of 4:30 p.m., units are stationed at the perimeter of the scene to evacuate the area in case of a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion.

A BLEVE occurs when a tanker carrying pressurized liquid heats beyond its boiling point and ruptures.

Updates will be posted as the situation is ongoing.