LAIRDSVILLE — When a carport roof blew off at the Darwin Diagnostic Center on Route 118 during Tuesday night’s brief storm, it struck the valve to a 1,000-gallon propane tank head-on, causing the valve to snap and allowing gas to escape from the tank, according to Fire Chief William Gordner.

The tank was about 60% full, and it was estimated that 20% of the gas escaped before volunteer firefighters were able to activate the emergency shut-off switch, Gordner said. Assisting Lairdsville were firefighters from Unityville.

Route 118 was shut down as a precautionary measure for about 30 minutes, and nearby residents were told not to turn on any gas in their homes or light any cigarettes or candles. Part of their business at Darwin involves re-filling propane tanks, Gordner said.

A representative from Superior Plus Propane responded and made the necessary repairs.