Drone footage captures explosion in San Pedro after big rig overturns

A big rig containing lithium ion batteries overturned in San Pedro Thursday afternoon, sparking a fire, disrupting port operations and causing a massive traffic nightmare with the closure of a major freeway for 24 to 48 hours.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said the crash occurred at 940 N. Seaside Ave., though aerial footage from Sky5 showed it created a huge backup on the 47 Freeway and Vincent Thomas Bridge.

“The batteries have been damaged, and are on fire and off-gassing (with reports of one battery exploding),” fire officials said in an alert. “LAFD Hazardous Materials specialists are on scene. Firefighters have created a large perimeter around the site and are in the defensive mode (keeping their distance with hose lines for protection).”

“One of these batteries did explode and it caused a thermal runway, shooting flames about five to 10 feet,” LAFD Cpt. Adam Van Gerpen said.

Drone footage obtained by KTLA, which can be seen in the video player at the bottom of this post, showed the moment the big rig’s cargo of lithium batteries exploded.

Van Gerpen said fire officials determined the best thing to do was not to attempt to douse the flames with water because it would be too dangerous.

“It could be dangerous to the environment and, actually, water would not be effective in putting these fires out,” he added.

Officials have decided to let the fire burn itself out, meaning the 47 Freeway will remain closed at least another 24 hours and possibly 48 hours.

Just before 4 p.m., California Highway Patrol announced on X, formerly Twitter, that the Vincent Thomas Bridge is closed in both directions at Terminal Island.

“Please avoid the VTB & the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge until the sig alert has been lifted,” authorities said .

Officials at Caltrans said they are coordinating with emergency responders at the scene, as well as the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to monitor the scene and assess the damage.

The Pacific Maritime Association, the agency that works in coordination with companies at the San Pedro Bay Port complex and submits daily orders for waterfront labor at the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach said in a statement that HAZMAT incident has significantly disrupted port operations.

“Our organization is taking direction from the Los Angeles Fire Department which has created a 1,000-foot radius zone from the fire in order to protect public safety,” the statement read in part.

PMA added that the lithium battery fire response has forced the temporary closure of several port terminals, including:

• APM Terminals (Pier 400)
• Fennix Marine Services (Pier 300)
• Everport Terminal Services
• Yusen Terminals
• PASHA TI
• Pier S and Pier A
• Total Terminals International

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.