ANNAPOLIS, Md. (CBSDC) – Brakes came to a screeching halt on the on the Bay Bridge Tuesday when a leaky tanker truck threatened an explosive rush hour.

Firefighters arrived on the scene of the westbound side of US-50 on the Eastern Shore – before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge – shortly after 3:30 p.m. to investigate the potentially explosive situation.

The incident came about when the shut off valve atop a tanker truck was sheared off, emitting its gaseous contents into the air.

Officials say the tanker was carrying 9,000 gallons of liquid propane, which prompted them to shut down traffic to the bridge in both directions until the problem was resolved.

After about an hour of closely examining the faulty shut off valve and wreaking havoc on the afternoon commute of thousands, firefighters were able to climb on top of the truck and plug the leak.

After the plugging the leak, firefighters escorted the truck to a safer location to be examined further, and away from traffic, allowing the bridge to be reopened.

Credit: CBSDC.com/Traffic