A motorist attempting to elude Polk County police nearly struck a large propane tank off Piedmont Highway Monday afternoon.

According to an official with the Polk County Fire Department, the wreck happened at Piedmont Highway near Branch Road.

Contrary to speculative reports, none of the nearby residents were evacuated and the propane tank did not have a leak.

Officials said the leak came from a radiator on the vehicle striking the tanker. The radiator was possibly smoking as well.

When officials approached the smoking vehicle, however, there was no sign of a driver, and no witnesses reported seeing anyone flee the scene.

There aren’t any reports of injuries or other details currently available.

A representative of Blossmon came to inspect the tanks, officials said.

The area was cleaned up for traffic by 2:30 p.m. but Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers remain on the scene to complete their investigation, according to the GSP office.

Fire officials said firefighters were the first on the scene and no one was in the wrecked car when they arrived.

Those assisting with the incident include Polk County volunteer fire crews, Cedartown Fire Department, the GSP, Polk County police, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

* Story updated at 6:02 p.m. correcting erroneous information from preliminary reports.