Los Angeles was briefly on edge after reports emerged of a "package explosion" in the back of a UPS truck in the San Fernando Valley. However, the scare was unwound when it turned out to be an accidental discharge from a dry chemical fire extinguisher. As per KTLA, the event unfolded around 10:15 a.m. Thursday in the Winnetka area, resulting in authorities urging the public to keep clear from the vicinity of Winnetka Avenue and Runnymede Street.
The initial alarm was raised when, responding to a report of a suspicious package, the local police arrived on the scene, located at the 20100 block of Runnymede Street. According to the information given by NBC Los Angeles, officers encountered no injuries. Misplaced emergency response efforts were launched amidst concerns over the driver's inhalation of an unknown substance following the "blast."
A hazmat crew swiftly joined the Los Angeles Fire Department and paramedics upon the scene, evaluating the driver who ultimately declined transportation to the hospital. Further investigation by the hazmat teams later clarified the commotion arose from a dropped fire extinguisher which had accidentally discharged inside the delivery truck. The mishap was confirmed by both the Los Angeles Fire Department and UPS, as detailed in a report by FOX LA.
Fortunately, the incident wrapped up without harm, easing the early concerns of a potential threat. By 11:40 a.m., authorities had cleared the area, and the driver, after being checked by the paramedics, was unscathed. Misplaced amidst the chaos at first, it took authorities some time to discern the true nature of events. The scare serves as a reminder of the high-alert status that emergency services maintain in the wake of any potential danger.
