Lithium Battery Truck Crash Ignites Fire in San Pedro
SAN PEDRO, CA (September 27, 2024) — A truck transporting six large lithium-ion batteries overturned in San Pedro on Thursday, sparking a fire that forced the closure of the 47 Freeway and the Vincent Thomas Bridge, officials said. The incident caused major traffic disruptions in the area.
The accident occurred shortly before noon in the 900 block of North Seaside Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The overturned truck ignited a blaze that sent hazardous smoke into the air, prompting fire crews to establish a 300-foot perimeter around the site.
Firefighters adopted a defensive approach, choosing not to extinguish the flames with water due to environmental concerns. “Lithium-ion batteries require copious amounts of water, so it’s generally better to let them burn,” LAFD Capt. Adam Van Gerpen said. “We’re concerned about water runoff entering drains and eventually reaching the ocean, which could create an environmental disaster.”
After about 12 hours, the fire was still burning, authorities reported. There were no immediate reports of injuries or evacuations. The cause of the battery truck crash is under investigation.
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