Overturned Tanker Kills 1, Spills Aviation Fuel Across 110 Freeway

LOS ANGELES, CA — One person died and two others were injured when a tanker truck crashed and overturned, spilling aviation fuel across the Harbor (110) Freeway Sunday night. The crash shut down the freeway for hours as crews continued to clean up the mess mid-morning Sunday.

The California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert for the northbound 110 at Manchester for an unknown duration and motorists were advised to seek alternate routes for the north and southbound lanes between Slauson and Rosecrans avenues while the cleanup effort continues.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the crash involving the tanker and two other vehicles happened just before 11 p.m. Saturday on the northbound 110 Freeway at Manchester Boulevard. The overturned tanker spilled 500 to 1,000 gallons of aviation fuel onto the freeway, LAFD spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said. It came to rest atop a black sedan, killing the person inside, according to authorities.

"Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a tank truck on its side, with the tank separated from its tractor unit. The tractor had rolled onto a passenger vehicle, fatally injuring the driver inside," Stewart said.

"LAFD firefighters, donning full personal protective equipment, helped lay down the absorbent over the spill," she added. "Firefighters then drilled four holes into the tank, giving access for a stinger to be used to safely transfer the remaining fuel to another vehicle."

An estimated 8,000 gallons of aviation fuel remained inside the truck after crews plugged the leak, Stewart said.

The tanker driver was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital in unknown condition, and a 30-year0old woman was hospitalized with minor injuries, added Stewart.

A third person was killed in the crash and remained trapped by the wreckage for several hours.

"After ensuring the area was safe, firefighters assisted the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner by performing a vehicle extrication to recover the deceased driver," said Stewart.

The incident involved a total of 72 firefighters, alongside CHP and CalTrans personnel. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision as cleanup efforts are completed and traffic resumes on the freeway, said Stewart.

City News Service contributed to this report.