Port of Los Angeles, CA – A semi-truck carrying a load of lithium-ion batteries overturned at the intersection of Seaside Avenue and Navy Way on the 47 Freeway at approximately 11:58 a.m. on September 26, 2024. The crash resulted in significant damage to the batteries, with one igniting and exploding, prompting emergency response teams to take immediate action.
Due to concerns over the possibility of further explosions, officials quickly established a safety perimeter around the accident site and shut down the 47 Freeway in both directions. This closure included the Vincent Thomas Bridge, a critical route for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The disruption has caused a significant backup of traffic, forcing commuters and truck drivers to reroute through nearby Wilmington, severely congesting its streets.
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Public Information Officer Captain Adam VanGerpen stated that the truck could continue to burn for another 24 to 48 hours. Plans are underway to move the damaged batteries to a nearby field for safety; however, the truck itself will remain at the scene until it burns out.
As a major transportation artery, the closure of the 47 Freeway has created a ripple effect throughout the area, affecting both port operations and local communities.