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Big Rig Tanker Fire Takes The Life Of Its Driver And Requires Numerous Resources To Contain
By Jackawa Jackson | June 13, 2009
Just before 6:00 pm on the evening of June 13, 2009, Long Beach Fire Department units were called out to a report of an unknown type fire in the area of the 91 and 710 freeways. Upon arrival Long Beach Engine 12 found a large tanker truck had impacted the side rail of the East bound 91 to the North bound 710 transition road and was fully involved in fire. A huge fire ball enveloped the overpasses above due to the large quantity of flammable or combustible liquid that the tanker was carrying. Numerous units from Long Beach Fire were assisted by units from Compton and LA County Fire Departments in an effort to control the blaze. A literal river of fire flowed from the tanker into the storm drain and a nearby pumping station causing plumes of flame to erupt from other remote storm drains reaching 20 feet into the air. The intensity of the fire was such that all that remained of the truck were its’ axles and small portions of the cab. Large chunks of concrete also “spalled” or popped free from the transition road above due to the intense heat. Sadly, the driver of the big rig perished in the accident. The cause of this tragic accident is currently under investigation. Structural engineers were called in to determine the structural integrity of the overpass as well as surrounding structures. The Long Beach Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team responded in an effort to identify the product the driver was carrying and monitor for flammable vapors. A total of 47 firefighters for from LBFD and 17 firefighters from assisting agencies responded to this incident.
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