A truck’s driver was briefly trapped in the truck she was driving when the bridge under the truck collapsed near Wildlands Conservancy in the 3000 block of Orchid Place, Lower Macungie Township, at approximately 12:28 p.m. April 29, according to Pennsylvania State Police and the Lower Macungie Fire Department.

The bridge provided access to the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary.

First responders helped the driver, a 35-year-old female, of Fleetwood, Pa., from the truck. The driver was not hurt in the accident, according to authorities.

The driver “operating a 2023 Peterbilt truck attempted to drive on the bridge when the bridge collapsed,” according to news release from Pennsylvania State Police dated April 30.

In an update to media outlets, Christopher M. Kocher, Wildlands Conservancy president, said the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary “is closed until further notice.”

A social media post by the Lower Macungie Fire Department details the incident as follows:

“First arriving fire personnel found a propane tanker resting on a middle bridge abutment, the rear of the vehicle suspended over the water and an occupant in the driver’s seat.”

No hazardous material was found in the water under the bridge or the surrounding environment, according to the post.

“A plan to off-load the remaining petroleum product was formulated” by Lehigh County Special Operations, Lower Macungie Fire Department command and energy company representatives, the post continues.

“Ultimately, the product was safely transferred” to another truck, according to the post.

The propane truck was removed from the scene.

In his release to the media, Kocher noted there is no public access to the property due to the accident.

“Community and environmental education programs scheduled to take place at the Sanctuary are being handled case-by-case and registrants will receive direct correspondence from the education staff.”

The sanctuary traditionally offers a variety of environmental education and conservation programs as well as summer camp opportunities, hikes, trail walks and other special programs at the 77.5 acre site.

According to a news release from state police, a trooper with the Troop M Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program will review the vehicle for “proper compliance to the law.”

The Emmaus Fire Department, Trexlertown Fire Department, Emmaus Ambulance and Yocum Towing are among agencies also responding to the accident.

Wildlands Conservancy staff also remained at the sanctuary to work with emergency personnel at the time of the crash.

The driveway along Orchid Place to Wildlands Conservancy was to be closed “for an undetermined amount of time,” according to the social media post from the Lower Macungie Fire Department.

“The Sanctuary is a local treasure, and it’s clear the community understands the gravity of living disconnected from it right now. Access to nature and programming is being impacted.

“To this end, we encourage you to explore our 13 other nature preserves. These special places are made possible by you, our giving community. Together, we keep these precious destinations open, safe and accessible for all who call our region home,” Kocher included in his news release.