LOS ANGELES, CA – A tragic accident involving a tanker truck on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles has left one person dead and two others injured, authorities reported Monday. The crash, which occurred shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday, resulted in a hazardous material situation due to a significant jet fuel spill.
The collision led to the closure of both northbound and southbound lanes between Manchester Avenue and Rosecrans Avenue. Emergency crews, including firefighters and hazmat teams, were dispatched to the scene to manage the aftermath.
The incident involved a dark-colored car that became lodged beneath the overturned tanker truck. The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating the circumstances that led to the vehicle being trapped under the tanker.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, three to five vehicles may have been involved in the crash. Two individuals, a man and a woman, were transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The tanker, carrying 8,000 gallons of jet fuel, spilled between 500 to 1,000 gallons onto the freeway, prompting a call for assistance from Cal OES and Caltrans.
The driver of the tanker was also taken to the hospital, transported by a private vehicle. The driver recounted the harrowing moments of the crash, describing the impact and his subsequent escape through the windshield.
Efforts to contain the fuel spill included the use of absorbent materials by the LAFD and Caltrans. Following containment, the tanker owner is responsible for offloading the remaining fuel.
The cleanup and investigation process is expected to be lengthy, with no estimated time for reopening the freeway. Authorities are urging motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
The CHP will continue its investigation to determine the cause of the crash and assess any further risks associated with the fuel spill.