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Camp Horizon Gas Leak: 3,000-Lb Propane Tank Closes Alberta Children's Camp, Highway

Gas Plume, Odour Shuts Down Kids' Camp

COCHRANE, Alta. - A leaking 3,000-lb propane tank, tossed into a river near Cochrane by the June flood, led to the closing down of a provincial highway and Camp Horizon in Kananaskis Friday.

It was originally believed a foul smell in the area was a possible gas leak, prompting the evacuation of the Easter Seals children's camp in the Alberta foothills, as well as campers from Gooseberry Provincial Campground.

Fire crews and officials from Alberta's energy regulator and Environment Department were dispatched following reports of a strong gas smell along Highway 66, just south of the Trans-Canada Highway near Cochrane.

The smell was near Camp Horizon, a children's camp operated by the Easter Seal campaign.

"Apparently, residents heard a bang (Thursday) and saw a plume in the air. There's no plume visible in the air right now," said Nikki Booth of Alberta Environment.

She said local pipeline operators had also been informed of the situation.

RCMP Sgt. Patricia Neely said Highway 66 was closed as a precaution.

The camp, 10 kilometres southeast of the community of Bragg Creek, offers week-long outdoor experiences for children with disabilities.

With files from The Canadian Press

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