Disaster Averted on 110 Freeway
A potential disaster unfolded when a full propane tanker truck overturned on the 110 Freeway during early commuter hours.
At 4:30AM on January 9, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported overturned propane truck on the Northbound 110 Freeway transition to the Eastbound 10 Freeway in Downtown Los Angeles.
Firefighters arrived to find the propane truck on its side with the driver safely out of the vehicle. Crews quickly put a protection (charged fire hose) line in place while they inspected the tank for any leaks. The tank was full with approximately 8,000 gallons of propane and fortunately, was not leaking. The only leak located was engine oil and it was diked to ensure it did not spread.
The LAFD Hazardous Materials Squad responded and evaluated the situation to determine the safest approach to mitigate the hazard. Meanwhile, the company owning the tanker sent resources to include an empty tanker truck if the product needed to be off-loaded.
A closely coordinated team effort including private contractors and 50 LAFD personnel, under the direction of Battalion Chief Eric Talamantes, safely disconnected the tank from the tractor and then uprighted the tank with no issues.
What could have been disastrous instead caused an unusually difficult morning commute but did not result in any injuries or structural damage to the freeway.
The incident then transitioned to CHP control with private contractors to remove the vehicles from the freeway and restore traffic flow.
