An explosion early this morning at 1120 N Alameda St in Wilmington has reportedly injured multiple Los Angeles firefighters. The Los Angeles Fire Department issued an alert stating that the incident occurred at approximately 6:58 AM and involved a truck carrying pressurized cylinders. The blaze led to an explosion, leaving at least seven firefighters injured, three of whom were transported to a local hospital with two in critical condition. The exact number of firefighters hurt has risen to seven, all of whom have now been taken to area hospitals for treatment, according to LAFD's initial alert.
Firefighters had arrived on scene to combat a fire from a CNG-powered semi-truck, and while extinguishing the flames, the explosion occurred. Six minutes after their arrival, the blast injured the firefighters, prompting a response from LAFD Hazardous Materials Specialists. A 500-foot perimeter has been established around the blast site, as flames continued to emit from one of the cylinders. Over 150 firefighters were ultimately assigned to address not only the fire but also the medical and hazardous material concerns stemming from the incident. An update from the LAFD's update urged residents in the area to stay indoors, although no formal evacuations were ordered.
"Motorists: Avoid the area," were the words from LAFD's PIO Captain Adam Van Gerpen, who was en route to the scene. The official briefing stressed the illegal nature of flying drones within 500 feet of an emergency incident, without the proper clearance, and redirected traffic to seek alternative routes. No homes are within the immediate danger zone of the explosion, and LAFD alongside the police are diligently keeping the public safe from harm's reach.
For their part, the press has been instructed to stage at two different locations for updates on the incident, with one press conference anticipated to be at 11:00 AM at the entrance to the Emergency Department of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Meanwhile, LAFD continues to work on the ground, ensuring that the fire is extinguished and that the area is rendered safe for Wilmington residents and their properties. The situation is being managed with the utmost seriousness as the community looks on and hopes for the swift recovery of its bravest.
