LOS ANGELES — A Southern California bridge critical for getting goods to and from the Port of Los Angeles remained closed to traffic Friday after a big rig carrying lithium batteries overturned and sparked a fire.
The crash occurred before noon Thursday in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles, TV station KTLA-5 reported. No injuries were reported.
Officials said the Vincent Thomas Bridge could stay closed into Saturday as they monitor the fire. Several terminals at the Port of Los Angeles were closed Friday.
Firefighters decided to let the fire burn itself out because water “could be dangerous to the environment and actually water would not be effective,” Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Adam Van Gerpen said.
A fire ignited by a truck transporting lithium batteries caused disruptions at the Port of Los Angeles on Tuesday, prompting concerns about the safety of transporting these potentially hazardous materials.
The incident occurred when a truck carrying a shipment of lithium batteries caught fire while on its way to the port. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the truck and causing significant damage to the surrounding area. Firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the flames, but the damage had already been done.
The Port of Los Angeles is one of the busiest ports in the United States, handling millions of tons of cargo each year. The disruption caused by the fire had a ripple effect on operations at the port, leading to delays in the processing and delivery of goods.
Lithium batteries are known for their high energy density and are commonly used in electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. However, they can also pose a risk of fire if not handled properly. In recent years, there have been several incidents involving lithium battery fires, prompting concerns about their safe transportation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations in place for the transportation of lithium batteries by air, but similar regulations for ground transportation are less stringent. This has raised questions about whether more needs to be done to ensure the safe transport of these potentially dangerous materials.
In response to the incident at the Port of Los Angeles, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and to assess any potential safety risks. They are also working to implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper handling and transportation of hazardous materials, especially those as volatile as lithium batteries. It also highlights the need for increased awareness and regulation to ensure the safety of workers and the public when dealing with these potentially dangerous substances.
