A big rig containing lithium ion batteries overturned in San Pedro Thursday afternoon, sparking a fire that reportedly led at least one battery to explode.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said the crash occurred at 940 N. Seaside Ave., though aerial footage from Sky5 showed it created a huge backup on the 47 Freeway and Vincent Thomas Bridge.
“The batteries have been damaged, and are on fire and off-gassing (with reports of one battery exploding),” fire officials said in an alert. “LAFD Hazardous Materials specialists are on scene. Firefighters have created a large perimeter around the site and are in the defensive mode (keeping their distance with hose lines for protection).”