VIDEO: Semi Truck Blast Injures 9 LA Firefighters
Multiple Los Angeles firefighters were injured on Thursday morning while responding to a fire involving a pressurized cylinder on a semi truck that exploded as they worked to extinguish the flames.
The explosion happened around 7 a.m. local time while fire crews were battling flames from one of the truck’s two compressed 100-gallon natural gas tanks.
“The unique aspect of this vehicle is that it’s not run on diesel or gasoline, but it is actually propelled with CNG, or compressed natural gas,” said LAFD Capt. Erik Scott. “The explosion was significant. The ball of flame was as high as these telephone poles, and it actually did explode one of the transformers nearby.”
Video of the incident showed the powerful explosion shooting up a quick fireball that quickly dissipated likely due to the fuel source being natural gas.
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BREAKING: HAZMAT units dispatched to the site of a truck explosion that resulted in injuries of multiple Los Angeles firefighters.
pic.twitter.com/z0LtTBukXL
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) February 15, 2024
The Los Angeles Times reported that nine firefighters were taken to UCLA Medical Center with injuries from the explosion, including two who were in critical condition.
The semi truck was completely obliterated from the explosion and the status of its driver remains unknown. The explosion happened roughly 13 minutes after the call came in for emergency crews.
Officials said that they were not sure about the circumstances that led to the incident.
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“The surrounding circumstances that led up to this tragic incident are still too new,” Scott said.
Video taken from a helicopter of the aftermath showed debris scattered in all directions.
MULTIPLE FIREFIGHTERS BURNED IN TRUCK EXPLOSION. Initial reports indicate a commercial truck carrying cylinders was involved in a crash. pic.twitter.com/3GDoy0uNNJ @LAFD @IAFFofficial @IAFC_SHS #firefighters
— FirefighterCloseCall (@TheSecretList) February 15, 2024
“This is a difficult day in Los Angeles,” Mayor Karen Bass said during a news conference at the hospital where the firefighters were being treated. “I’m here with a simple message to our firefighters in the building behind me and in fire stations across our city watching the news this morning unfold. The four million people of Los Angeles stand with you.”
Dr. Molly Deane, a trauma surgeon at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, said that it was a miracle that some of the firefighters were not “more severely injured” from the explosion.
How can the community show support for injured firefighters and raise awareness about the sacrifices they make in their service to the public
Nown. The incident occurred in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles, and nearby residential areas were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
The explosion serves as a reminder of the risks that firefighters face on a daily basis. Their brave and heroic efforts to protect lives and property often put them in harm’s way, as was evident in this unfortunate incident. Despite following proper safety protocols, these firefighters were still injured while carrying out their duties.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the pressurized cylinder on the semi truck may have malfunctioned. The specific circumstances leading up to the explosion, however, are yet to be determined.
The use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles has gained popularity in recent years due to its efficiency and lower emissions. However, incidents like this highlight the potential dangers associated with handling pressurized containers. Safety measures and protocols must be continually reviewed and reinforced to minimize the risk of such explosions.
In response to this incident, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has emphasized the importance of ongoing training and equipment upgrades for firefighters. LAFD Captain Erik Scott stated that the department will closely evaluate their procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of their personnel.
The injured firefighters are receiving the best medical care available at UCLA Medical Center. The LAFD, along with the entire Los Angeles community, stands in solidarity with these brave individuals, offering their support and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Incidents like this raise awareness about the sacrifices made by firefighters and the dangers they face while protecting the public. It is crucial for citizens to appreciate and acknowledge the invaluable services provided by these men and women who put their lives on the line every day.
In conclusion, the explosion involving a pressurized cylinder on a semi truck in Los Angeles resulted in multiple firefighters being injured. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by firefighters in the line of duty. The cause of the explosion is currently being investigated, and the injured firefighters are receiving medical care. The incident underscores the need for ongoing training and equipment upgrades to ensure firefighter safety. The community stands in solidarity with the injured firefighters and recognizes the sacrifices they make in their service to the public.
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