An explosion occurred in a manhole on Sepulveda Boulevard in Mission Hills on September 13th, as reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The incident, which was responded to by firefighters at approximately 3:01 PM, did not result in a subsequent fire, but light smoke was visible emanating from the manhole located at 11010 N Sepulveda Bl.
Following the incident, LAFD established a protection line and secured a safety zone, moving both vehicles and pedestrians away from the scene. During the operation, no injuries were reported. According to the LAFD officials managing the site, Sepulveda Boulevard had to be closed from Brand/Sepulveda to San Fernando Mission Boulevard.
Further updates from the LAFD, which came out around 3:40 PM, indicated that the area had been secured with no present hazards. The link, according to the information provided by the LAFD, suggested that the fire department was waiting for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to arrive for their expertise in investigating the underlying cause of the explosion.
As the investigation continued, the impact on traffic remained a concern, with the duration of the road closures still unknown at the time. The LAFD stated, "there are no injuries reported and no fire," and did not anticipate further updates on the situation. Residents and commuters in Mission Hills were advised to seek alternate routes and expect delays as the situation developed.
