Disaster was averted yesterday morning when the occupants of a car and propane gas tanker truck avoided injury in a Sandys crash.

Ernest Marshall, of Bermuda Gas, confirmed one of the company’s trucks had overturned just before dawn on Somerset Road, just west of Beacon Hill and Mangrove Bay.

Despite the danger, he assured the public that his driver was unhurt and that the tankers are built to be safe.

He said: “A third-party vehicle collided with a Bermuda Gas truck in the Mangrove Bay area, causing temporary traffic delays. We are incredibly grateful to report that no injuries were sustained by anyone involved.

“We would like to thank all emergency personnel and members of the public who assisted at the scene of this accident.

“We also want to thank the public for their patience and understanding while emergency responders worked to safely manage the scene and restore normal traffic flow.”

Mr Marshall told The Royal Gazette: “We’ve been in the industry for more than 80 years and we’ve been lucky enough to not have any major incidents.”

The Bermuda Police Service reported that just before 5.30am, they and other first responders were dispatched to news of the collision.

“Initial information suggests that the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions when they collided on the bend near the Mangrove Bay Post Office, resulting in the propane gas truck overturning on to its side,” a police spokeswoman said.

Neither driver, both of whom are male, was reported to be injured.

Mr Marshall said the trucks were designed to be incredibly resilient and technologically adept at preventing problems that could lead to catastrophe.

He explained the vehicles have an internal mechanism that automatically cuts off gas flow to the trucks’ pipes if a sudden pressure change is detected.

Mr Marshall added that the metal was incredibly thick and required “serious force” to penetrate.

“It’s not like a regular fuel tanker,” he said. “Propane tanks are very well designed.”

He added: “All of our drivers are fully trained and also they go through a safety driving course.

“We have someone come in and teach them how to drive tankers, so we dot all our i’s and cross all our t’s to ensure that all of our staff are properly trained to handle situations like this.”

The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service carried out an assessment of the gas truck as a precaution.

The roadway was blocked and traffic diversions were in effect at Beacon Hill Road and Mangrove Bay Road and reopened to normal traffic flow before noon.

“The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service has put sand on the road surface, but it is still slick and road users are advised to slow down and use caution when travelling through the area,” the spokeswoman added.