Local News
Lithium ion batteries catch fire in crash at Vincent Thomas Bridge – NBC Los Angeles
The Vincent Thomas Bridge is San Pedro remained closed Friday morning about 20 hours after a truckload of lithium ion batteries exploded and caught fire near the Port of Los Angeles.
There were no injuries reported in the crash early Thursday afternoon near the busy shipping port, where firefighters and a hazardous materials team responded at about midday Wednesday. Details about what led to the rollover were not immediately available.
California Highway Patrol officials indicated that the Vincent Thomas Bridge could potentially remain closed for as long as 24 to 48 hours, but the LAFD planned to move the big rig trailer Friday afternoon to an open lot on nearby Terminal Island.
“This will allow it to continue burning or off gassing, while lessening the impact on traffic and port operations,” the LAFD said Friday.
Traffic backed up on and near the bridge Wednesday afternoon. A long line of big rigs with shipping containers could be seen stopped on the bridge.
The Seaside Freeway was closed between Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro on the west side of the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the Long Beach (710) Freeway to the east.
“We were able to determine that the best course of action for this is to continue to let it burn. Lithium-ion batteries take copious amounts of water, so it’s generally better to just let them burn. It’s also better for the environment,” said Captain Adam Van Gerpen with the LA City Fire Department. “We’re concerned about water runoff getting into the drains, eventually getting into the ocean. It could create an environmental disaster.”
Flames and thick smoke could be seen coming from the shipping container on the trailer of the truck, which was on its side in the 900 block of North Seaside Avenue. There were reports of one battery exploding, the LA Fire Department said.
Video showed the side of the trailer blown off in the explosion.
LAFD Alert-Update #SanPedro Vehicle Rollover with Hazardous Materials 940 N Seaside Av MAP: https://t.co/ZFd4vTz5Aw FS40; DETAILS: https://t.co/uXgdfL1ThP
— LAFD 🔥 (@LAFD) September 26, 2024
“Firefighters have created a large perimeter around the site and are in the defensive mode (keeping their distance with hose lines for protection),” the LAFD said.
No evacuations were ordered early Thursday afternoon.
The 47 Freeway was closed east of Ferry Street.
“This afternoon, a semi-truck transporting lithium batteries overturned on Terminal Island. For the safety of everyone in the area, all traffic and bridges leading to and from Terminal Island have been temporarily shut down,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker. “I want to express my deep appreciation for the quick and proactive response and the leadership of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association. Their swift actions in prioritizing worker safety during this incident have been instrumental in protecting everyone involved.”
Local News
Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles
The devastated family of Sarina Rodriguez who was killed after someone threw a rock through her car windshield is speaking out about the tragedy as the person responsible remains at large.
Rodriguez was driving with her boyfriend along Highway 138 near Highway 18 in Antelope Valley just after midnight on Oct. 8 when a large rock was thrown through her windshield, according to CHP. The rock struck and killed the 25-year-old driver.
“It happened right before I went into the turn. A car passed me never went into the turn, the rock was directly for the driver right above the cluster it broke the steering wheel ring,” recounted Franko Martinez, who was the passenger in the vehicle.
Martinez said he was able to steer the car to the shoulder but there was nothing he could do to help Rodriguez.
“All I can do is pray right now. It’s hard to sleep,” said Martinez.
CHP continues to investigate the tragedy and at least one other similar incident that happened two days before Rodriguez was killed, where a large rock was thrown at another car’s windshield.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye to her and I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her because I do. I did. I always will,” said Sylvia Perez, sister to Rodriguez.
The heartbroken family asks anyone on the road that day who may have seen something to come forward to help keep other drivers safe and bring justice to Rodriguez.
“There is a killer on this road and we have to find this person,” said Drew Harrity, uncle to Rodriguez. “There was a whole life behind this story that was cut short and a promising future that she had. I can promise you if anyone out there met her they would love her too. That’s who she was.”
Local News
7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles
7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies.
From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.
Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.
The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens.
“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.”
Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.
“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”
Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences.
In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches.
Local News
Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles
A group of women, representing 21 countries, have set a world skydiving record in Southern California skies.
The women, aging from 21 to 70, have been practicing these unique, snowflake-like formations for around a year.
At speeds over 120 mph, they jumped from four airplanes flying at 16,500 ft.
They had 60 seconds to link hands and create the first formation, release and build their second formation before letting go and opening their parachutes.
Beyond record setting, the women said it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what is possible when women come together.
“We are all sisters,” a skydiver said. “And it was just amazing to see how we supported each other.”
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