LOS ANGELES, CA – Several firefighters were injured, two critically, in an explosion involving a truck carrying compressed natural gas cylinders near the Port of Los Angeles. The incident occurred on the 1100 block of North Alameda Street, prompting a significant response from the Los Angeles Fire Department. The explosion resulted in a large plume of smoke and caused a nearby electrical transformer to explode as well.
According to Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott, the truck was powered by compressed natural gas, which utilizes 100-gallon tanks under high pressure to power the vehicle. Ten firefighters were deployed to the scene, and tragically, six minutes after their arrival, one of the CNG tanks exploded, injuring nine of the responders.
The cause of the blast is currently under investigation, and hazardous-material specialists were among the 150 firefighting personnel sent to the scene to handle the aftermath of the explosion. Nearby residents were advised to stay indoors as a precaution, although no evacuations were ordered. It was also noted that it is illegal to fly drones within 500 feet of an emergency incident without clearance.
LAFD Chief Kristen Crowley stated that a “Significant Incident Review Team” would be investigating the incident in detail, gathering opportunities for improvement and lessons learned from the tragic event. Several of the injured firefighters were treated for burn and blast injuries at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, with one of them being airlifted to Los Angeles General Hospital for further treatment.
Despite the significant dangers of the firefighting profession, Mayor Karen Bass reassured LAFD personnel and the Los Angeles community of the city’s unwavering support for the brave responders. Dr. Molly Deane of Harbor UCLA Medical Center also remarked on the severity of the injuries sustained, emphasizing that it was remarkable none of the responders were more severely injured considering the force of the explosion.
As the investigation into the cause of the blast continues, it’s clear that the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks that firefighters face in the line of duty. The injured responders and their colleagues are in the thoughts of both city officials and the residents of Los Angeles as they recover from the traumatic event.