Fuel Tanker Overturns, Bursts Into Flames In Elysian Park
ATWATER VILLAGE (CBSLA.com) — A tanker carrying 8,500 gallons of fuel overturned and burst into flames Saturday, prompting officials to close a portion of the Golden State (5) Freeway in Elysian Park.
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The 10:30 a.m. accident on the northbound Glendale (2) Freeway prompted officials to close northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at Stadium Way as well as a connector road.
PHOTOS: Fuel Tanker Overturns, Bursts Into Flames In Elysian Park
The southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at Fletcher Drive were also initially shut down.
Officials report that the fire north of Dodger Stadium was the result of an overturned semi-truck with an unspecified trailer.
The driver of the tanker was not hurt. No injuries were reported.
Fuel from the tanker reportedly spilled into the L.A. River leading officials to advise residents in the area to avoid storm drains and manhole covers. The spill also triggered the temporary closure of the L.A. River's bike path south of Fletcher Drive.
LAFD spokesperson Brian Humphrey said the agency was working with local, regional, state, and federal environmental officials to mitigate the hazard which he said remains in the storm drains and down the river.
"There is NO threat or hazard (aside traffic delays and need for alternate routes) to those attending this afternoon's Dodgers/Rockies game," Humphrey said.
For more on traffic, freeway closures and alternate routes, click here.
