A dangerous fire broke out in San Pedro around noon Thursday after a large rig carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned, causing at least one battery to explode, authorities said.
Los Angeles City Fire Department officials and a hazardous materials team were dispatched to 940 N. Seaside Ave. at 11:48 a.m. to battle the dangerous fire, authorities said.
The 47 Freeway was closed in both directions from Southbound 710 to Harbor Boulevard, including part of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, according to an LAFD spokesman.
There were no reports of injuries, evacuation orders or widespread
dangerous warnings. However, significant traffic disruption was expected on this major artery for trucks carrying goods to and from the port.
“Any incident that shuts down a freeway is going to cause a major impact for commuters, especially in this area of the port because the Port of Los Angeles is the second largest port in the world,” said California Highway Patrol Sgt. Daniel Keene. “Fortunately, in this situation, there are alternative routes around the area.”
The highway closure could last up to 24 or even 48 hours as officials deal with the hazardous materials, Keene added.