UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Braemar Village Plaza Evacuated after Tanker Overturns, Spills Gas

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Video Courtesy of Sean Hodgson
Updated: July 12, 10:43 a.m. Police announced that  Sudley Manor Drive has reopened. "No road closures are in place due to this incident; the crash is still under investigation," a police official said. Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue is handling the clean-up operation. "As clean-up continues, crews may close a lane on Sudley Manor; major traffic delays are not expected," they said. Updated: July 12, 9:50 a.m. Police said they plan to open the northbound lane of Sudley Manor Drive within a half hour. Rufus Manning, owner/operator of Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt of Bristow was told merchants of Breamar Village Plaza can open their businesses at 11 a.m. Updated: July 12, 7:41 a.m. According to police, residents can now leave Merrimont Trace Circle and Manor Hall Court by making a right turn only onto Sudley Manor Drive. The temporary shelter at Marsteller Middle School has since shut down. Police expect the fuel truck to be towed away before 8 or 9 a.m. "Extensive clean-up will begin at that point; however no road closures or evacuations are expected," a police official said. Updated: July 12, 4:01 a.m.

The police have lifted the restriction on starting vehicles throughout the neighborhoods of Braemar.

"Residents residing on Merrimont Trace Circle and Manor Hall Court will not be able to leave their homes by vehicle due to the location of the crash," police spokesman Officer Jonathan Perok said.

Police request that residents on those streets wanting to leave their home call the communications center at 703-792-6500 to arrange for transportation to the temporary shelter located at Marsteller Middle School.

Updated: July 12, 3:22 a.m. Representatives from Prince William County Schools Risk Management Department, the Department of Social Services and the Red Cross are now all present at Marsteller Middle School. Updated: July 12, 2:26 a.m.

Prince William County Police just reported that they expect to start evacuations when they start offloading the fuel from the tanker.

They did not announce when the offload operation will begin.

Updated: July 12, 2:15 a.m.

Scanner chatter indicates crews are concentrating on preventing contamination of Broad Run.

Sightings of foam in the water from containment efforts are being reported.

The weather continues to make cleanup difficult for hazmat crews.

Updated: July 12, 1:46 a.m.

Police officials are warning residents to shelter-in-place and not attempt to start their vehicles.

"In the event fumes become too intense or you begin to feel ill or unsafe, please contact our communications center at 703-792-6500," they said. "We will make accommodations to pick up residents and take them to the temporary shelter at Marsteller Middle School."

Residents and commuters can expect extended delays as Sudley Manor Drive will remain closed between Linton Hall Rd and Dunbarton Drive well into the rush hour, they said.

Updated: July 12, 1:30 a.m.

According to Trevor Wright of Bristow, emergency crews took readings in Caring Hands Animal Hospital before 1 p.m. and found no evidence that the animals were in danger.

Updated: July 12, 1:15 a.m.

The rain is making containment more complicated. Firefighters are working to keep the fuel out of the storm drains.

Updated: July 12, 12:40 a.m.

Although police have not expanded the evacuation past Braemar Village Plaza, Prince William County Schools have officially announced that Marsteller Middle School will serve as a temporary shelter for residents should they be evacuated from their homes due to tonight's gas spill.

Updated: July 12, 12:30 a.m. Foam trucks from Dulles International Airport and Fairfax County are on hand to help contain the spill. PWC Scanner Bums reported that  Fire & Rescue has requested the closing of the gates of Lake Manassas Dam to slow the flow of water into Broad Run due to runoff from the spill. Residents are reporting the smell of gas throughout Braemar. Original Story: Police evacuated the Braemar Village Plaza in Bristow around 10:30 p.m. after a gas tanker overturned and spilled a reported 7,500 gallons of fuel near the Bank of America building. According to Rufus Manning, owner/operator of Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt of Bristow, who called in the accident, the gas truck was making a left turn into the Safeway parking lot and rolled over. Police report that the driver only has minor injuries. "Evacuations are being ordered at the shopping center only at this time as a precaution until the fire department can evaluate the incident," an official said. Police advise residents in the area to remain indoors until told otherwise. The School Board gave its consent to open Marstellar Middle School which will be ready to receive residents if local evacuation is necessary.
Emergency crews and hazmat units responded to the scene and were evaluating the situation as of 11:45 p.m. Police have cordoned off  Sudley Manor Road from Linton Hall Road to Dunbarton Drive. Bristow Beat will have more information as soon as it becomes available.
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