Explosion Near LAX Injures Firefighters
There was an underground explosion at the corner of Sepulveda Blvd. and La Tijera in Westchester. NBC 4 is reporting one rescue helicopter has been sent to the scene for two injured firefighters. Click here for NBC’s live news stream. Sepulveda is closed at La Tijera.
UPDATE: CBS is reporting 5 injuries, 2 firefighters (already taken to Daniel Freeman Hospital) and 3 civilians.
UPDATE (as of 4:30): NBC 4 is reporting the injured firefighters are in critical condition. In regard to the explosion itself they report: “Authorities said the blast appeared to be “electrical in nature.” Deputy Chief Mario Rueda of the city fire department said the explosion was in an electrical vault.”
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I’ve been hearing sirens going that general direction for an hour.
Hoping people stay safe.
I’m out of town for a few days, but closely monitoring this situation. My colleague Ron Myers will provide additional information as soon as possible. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Please keep an eye on the LAFD News & Information blog.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
Very similar incident happened in January with LAFD…
http://lafd.blogspot.com/2008/01/explosion-beneath-patrol-car-injures.html
First manhole smokes, pressure builds up, then first responders get hurt when additional manholes blow.
After this time, i think LAFD may learn to avoid manholes when responding to manhole incidents.
[...] email from Brian Humphrey via the LA Fire Department blog that one the firefighters wounded in the earlier explosion near LAX has died. I know I speak for all of us at Metroblogging LA that we are very saddened and sorry to [...]