The Vincent Thomas Bridge is San Pedro remained closed Friday morning about 20 hours after a truckload of lithium ion batteries exploded and caught fire near the Port of Los Angeles.
There were no injuries reported in the crash early Thursday afternoon near the busy shipping port, where firefighters and a hazardous materials team responded at about midday Wednesday. Details about what led to the rollover were not immediately available.
California Highway Patrol officials indicated that the Vincent Thomas Bridge could potentially remain closed for as long as 24 to 48 hours, but the LAFD planned to move the big rig trailer Friday afternoon to an open lot on nearby Terminal Island.
"This will allow it to continue burning or off gassing, while lessening the impact on traffic and port operations," the LAFD said Friday.
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Traffic backed up on and near the bridge Wednesday afternoon. A long line of big rigs with shipping containers could be seen stopped on the bridge.
The Seaside Freeway was closed between Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro on the west side of the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the Long Beach (710) Freeway to the east.
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“We were able to determine that the best course of action for this is to continue to let it burn. Lithium-ion batteries take copious amounts of water, so it's generally better to just let them burn. It's also better for the environment," said Captain Adam Van Gerpen with the LA City Fire Department. "We're concerned about water runoff getting into the drains, eventually getting into the ocean. It could create an environmental disaster."
Flames and thick smoke could be seen coming from the shipping container on the trailer of the truck, which was on its side in the 900 block of North Seaside Avenue. There were reports of one battery exploding, the LA Fire Department said.
Video showed the side of the trailer blown off in the explosion.
LAFD Alert-Update #SanPedro Vehicle Rollover with Hazardous Materials 940 N Seaside Av MAP: https://t.co/ZFd4vTz5Aw FS40; DETAILS: https://t.co/uXgdfL1ThP
— LAFD 🔥 (@LAFD) September 26, 2024
"Firefighters have created a large perimeter around the site and are in the defensive mode (keeping their distance with hose lines for protection)," the LAFD said.
No evacuations were ordered early Thursday afternoon.
The 47 Freeway was closed east of Ferry Street.
"This afternoon, a semi-truck transporting lithium batteries overturned on Terminal Island. For the safety of everyone in the area, all traffic and bridges leading to and from Terminal Island have been temporarily shut down," said Councilmember Tim McOsker. "I want to express my deep appreciation for the quick and proactive response and the leadership of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association. Their swift actions in prioritizing worker safety during this incident have been instrumental in protecting everyone involved."
