7 Los Angeles Firefighters Injured in Truck Fuel Tank Explosion

Seven out of nine firefighters have been discharged from the hospital after being injured in a fuel tank explosion, reported a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman. The incident occurred as the firefighters responded to a truck fire near the Port of Los Angeles.

Recovery Progress

According to Capt. Erik Scott, two firefighters with more severe injuries are still hospitalized. One is in stable but critical condition in the burn unit at Los Angeles General Medical Center, while the other is under observation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. The discharged firefighters will continue to receive treatment for burns, blunt trauma, shrapnel wounds, and hearing-related issues.

Incident Details

The explosion took place shortly after the firefighters arrived at the scene of a reported truck fire in the Wilmington area. The truck, which was powered by compressed natural gas, had one of its two 100-gallon fuel tanks explode. The other tank remained in the damaged truck and is believed to be empty.

Nicholas Prange, a department spokesman, mentioned that an extensive investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The incident highlights the risks that firefighters face while responding to emergencies. It also underscores the importance of ongoing training and safety measures for handling hazardous situations.