A tragic accident occurred late Saturday night on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. A tanker truck carrying aviation fuel overturned and collided with multiple vehicles, leading to a significant fuel spill and extensive road closures.
Key Takeaways
- Incident: Tanker truck crash on the 110 Freeway
- Date: November 3, 2024
- Fatalities: 1 deceased, 2 injured
- Injuries: Minor injuries reported for two individuals
- Fuel Spill: Estimated 500 to 1,000 gallons of aviation fuel leaked
- Road Closures: Northbound lanes closed for over 14 hours
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred just before 11 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2024, near Manchester Boulevard. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the tanker truck lost control and struck several vehicles, resulting in a catastrophic rollover.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene to find one individual trapped under the overturned tanker. The deceased was identified as the driver of a sedan that was crushed beneath the truck. The two injured individuals, a 30-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Fuel Spill and Cleanup Efforts
The collision caused a significant fuel spill, with estimates ranging from 500 to 1,000 gallons of aviation fuel leaking onto the freeway. Hazmat crews were deployed to contain the spill and prevent further hazards. Firefighters utilized a redwood plug to stop the leak and drilled holes in the tanker to facilitate the safe offloading of the remaining fuel.
The cleanup operation was extensive, involving both the Los Angeles Fire Department and Caltrans. Crews worked diligently to ensure the area was safe for motorists before reopening the freeway.
Road Closures and Traffic Impact
As a result of the accident, all northbound lanes of the 110 Freeway were closed from Century Boulevard to Manchester Boulevard. The California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert shortly after the crash, leading to significant traffic delays in the area. The southbound lanes were reopened by 7 a.m. Sunday, while the northbound lanes remained closed until approximately 12:20 p.m., resulting in over 14 hours of disruption.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with authorities examining the circumstances that led to the tanker truck losing control. Witnesses reported seeing the truck swerve suddenly before the collision, but further details are yet to be confirmed.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The tragic event has raised concerns about road safety and the potential dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials on busy highways.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in commercial transportation and the importance of safety measures to protect both drivers and the public.
Sources
- Northbound 110 Freeway shut down in South LA – NBC Los Angeles, NBC Los Angeles.
- 110 Freeway reopens after deadly tanker truck crash in South L.A., ABC7 Los Angeles.
- Tanker truck wreck in South Los Angeles leaves trail of destruction; 1 dead and 2 injured - TheTrucker.com, TheTrucker.com.
- Deadly crash involving fuel tanker shuts down freeway in Los Angeles | KTLA, KTLA.
