REFUGIO COUNTY, TX — A propane tanker overturned Wednesday near Melon Creek in Refugio County, prompting Texas Department of Public Safety officials to close a stretch of US 77 in both directions. The wreck left the tanker trailer leaking propane, according to Texas Highway Patrol Staff Sgt. Rob Mallory of the Corpus Christi District.

Authorities shut down the highway as a precaution while crews responded to the scene. Drivers traveling through the area were told to find another route until the roadway could be made safe again.

Both directions of US 77 are blocked between Refugio and Highway 239

The closure affects northbound and southbound lanes of US 77 between Refugio and State Highway 239, a point just south of the Victoria County line. That section of the highway is a key corridor for traffic moving through the region, so the shutdown is likely to affect local drivers and travelers passing through south Texas.

DPS said the closure was necessary because of the propane leak from the overturned trailer. Officials have not announced a timeline for reopening the road, and motorists are being asked to stay away from the area while the response continues.

Detours send northbound traffic to Highway 183

Traffic controls were quickly put in place to keep vehicles away from the crash site. Northbound drivers are being diverted to State Highway 183, while southbound traffic is being routed off US 77 at Highway 239E.

The reroutes are meant to keep vehicles moving around the closed stretch and reduce the chance of anyone entering the restricted area near the leaking tanker. DPS urged drivers to follow the posted detours and avoid trying to pass through the scene.

Officials say the trailer is leaking propane

Mallory said the trailer associated with the crash is leaking propane, which is the reason the roadway was closed so quickly. Propane incidents can require immediate traffic restrictions because of the risk posed by flammable gas in the area around a crash.

Authorities did not release details about what caused the tanker to overturn. They also did not immediately say whether any injuries were reported. For now, the focus remains on securing the scene and managing the leak.

Refugio County drivers face delays while the scene is secured

The closure is centered near Melon Creek, a location in Refugio County south of the Victoria County line. With both directions blocked, traffic is being pushed onto alternate roads that may not handle the same volume of vehicles as US 77.

That can create delays for commuters, commercial drivers and anyone traveling through the area on short notice. DPS is asking motorists to plan ahead and choose a different route until officials determine the highway is safe to reopen.

What drivers should know before heading through the area

Anyone heading through Refugio County should expect interruptions near the crash scene and watch for updated traffic guidance from state officials. The main message from DPS is simple: stay out of the closed section of US 77 and use the detours already in place.

Because the tanker is leaking propane, the shutdown is being treated as a safety measure rather than a routine traffic slowdown. Additional details about the crash, the cleanup and the reopening of the highway will depend on how quickly responders can make the scene secure.