Li-ion batteries explode and burn in accident on California highway

By Sydney Barragan
Daily breeze

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – A truck carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned on the 47 Freeway in San Pedro on Thursday, Sept. 26, starting a fire and shutting down traffic in both directions between the 110 and 710 freeways.

Around noon, the big rig overturned at the top of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, near Navy Way on Terminal Island, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. Hazardous goods emergency services and firefighters were dispatched to the scene of the accident.

“The batteries were damaged, burning and gassing (one battery reportedly exploded),” the LAFD said in a statement. “Firefighters have created a large perimeter fence around the site and are in defense mode.”

Details about the cause of the rollover and whether there were any injuries were initially not known.

Late in the afternoon, traffic on the 47 Freeway remained stationary in both directions between the 110 and 710 Freeways. There was traffic congestion on Harry Bridges Boulevard toward Anaheim Street, and traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway and in Wilmington.

California Highway Patrol officials said the Vincent Thomas Bridge may remain closed for 24 to 48 hours. A text message to port workers said several terminals would be closed because of the toxic fire.

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