Lithium ion battery fire forces closure of several CA port terminals after semi truck overturns

A semi truck hauling six large lithium ion batteries overturned on Thursday, causing an explosion, fire, and multiple road and port closures.

The accident happened just before noon on Thursday, September 26th, in the 900 block of North Seaside Avenue in San Pedro, California.

According to ABC 7 , the tractor trailer hauling the batteries overturned on the roadway. After it flipped, the batteries exploded, blowing the side off of the container they were stored in. A hazmat team was sent to the scene to battle the flames. The team was described as taking a defensive strategy against the flames. The fire was still burning as of 9:15 a.m. CST on September 27th.

“Lithium-ion batteries take copious amounts of water, so it’s generally better to just let them burn,” explained LAFD Capt. Adam Van Gergen. “It’s also better for the environment. We’re concerned about water runoff getting into the drains, eventually getting into the ocean, it could create an environmental disaster.”

The fire forced the closure of the 47 Freeway  between Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro on the west side of the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the 710 Freeway to the east. Officials say that the Vincent Thomas Bridge could remain closed for up to 48 hours.

The Pacific Maritime Association has stated that the fire is disrupting operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, changing their dispatch plan “significantly.”

“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,” read the statement.

The following terminals have been closed through Friday:

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

“I have been briefed on the San Pedro Bay Port Complex fire by LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, and I want to thank our LAFD firefighters for keeping drivers, Port workers and the surrounding community safe as this situation is resolved,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “LAFD firefighters arrived on scene shortly after reports of the traffic accident and established an isolation perimeter. Hazardous material specialists are also on scene. My office has been in touch with Port of Los Angeles leadership and Caltrans officials regarding the impact of the closure on Port functions as well as traffic detours. We are working quickly to resolve this issue. Safety, as always, is our top priority.”

Footage of the explosion was captured on a drone camera, which can be viewed below.

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