A TANKER carrying a hazardous load of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) overturned in Abergavenny Wednesday last week, blocking a country road.

Police said there was "no immediate danger to the public" in the area as specialist engineers assessed how to clear the tanker blocking the old Abergavenny to Raglan road.

There was no gas leaking from the tanker's container which turned on its side near the Hardwick roundabout at around 6.10am.

The tanker driver was taken to the town's Nevill Hall Hospital with minor injuries.

Police Superintendent Jon Burley said: "We are satisfied at moment there is no immediate danger to the public and therefore we have not evacuated any premises and that is why traffic is continuing to pass by. However, if we decide that when the lorry is moved houses need to be evacuated as a precaution, we will consider that."

South Wales Fire Service Assistant Divisional Officer Mike Flanagan told the Free Press: "If LPG is involved with fire then it is a danger.

"If it is not on fire and not leaking then it is not much of a danger - it might as well be like dealing with an overturned milk tanker."

He said it was likely that an empty tanker would pump the LPG, which will be compressed as a liquid, to make the overturned tanker safe. The tanker will then be lifted back onto its wheels.

Heavy congestion was reported this morning as traffic was diverted away from the scene.

It is anticipated the Old Raglan road will be closed both ways between Abergavenny for sometime.

The A40 and the Hardwick roundabout are open and traffic is passing through.

A South Wales Fire Service spokeswoman said: "One person was released prior to arrival.

"The crews made the vehicle safe and nothing was lost from the tanker case."

Crews from Abergavenny, Blaenavon and Whitchurch in Cardiff attended the scene. The police collision investigation unit were also at the scene gathering evidence.

Anyone with information on how the accident happened is asked to contact Gwent Police in confidence on 01633 838111.