Hwy. 15 closed in both directions after tanker truck flips over

The driver of a propane truck involved in a collision on Highway 15 North has died, according to Luc Robillard, chief of operations with the Montreal fire department.

The fire department was called to the scene at around 10:25 a.m. on Thursday after a tanker truck transporting propane flipped on its side at the de la Vérendrye exit.

A safety perimeter has been set up, and the highway is closed in both directions. A fire crew specializing in hazardous materials is on hand.

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Robillard said no hazardous materials were spilled on the highway, but the team will remain on site to help right the truck.

Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson Stéphane Tremblay said the driver, a 42-year-old man, was trapped inside the vehicle.

Firefighters worked for several hours to secure the scene and pull the driver from the wreckage.

Urgences-Santé confirmed the man’s death at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

WATCH: Highway 15 is closed in both directions after a tanker truck flipped over at the de la Vérendrye exit on Thursday morning.

0:34 Hwy. 15 closed after tanker truck flips over

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Robillard said it was unclear whether the driver had suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash or whether he died as a result of the collision.

Police have not yet commented on what might have caused the truck to flip over.

Robillard said safely removing the truck from the roadway could take several hours, as the propane has to be transferred to a different truck.

Highway 15 will remain closed in both directions until further notice. Motorists are being asked to avoid the area.

EXO buses are also being diverted to the Jacques-Cartier Bridge from the Champlain Bridge due to heavy traffic resulting from the closure. The transit authority is warning commuters of possible delays.

The SQ recommends motorists check with Quebec 511 for traffic updates.