Explosion of Compressed Natural Gas Tank Injures 9 Firefighters in Los Angeles
A shocking incident occurred on Thursday morning in Wilmington, Los Angeles, where nine firefighters sustained injuries when a compressed natural gas tank on a burning truck exploded. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7 a.m., created a powerful blast that sent a fireball soaring into the sky. Initially, firefighters were dispatched to the location adjacent to a residential neighborhood near a truck yard in response to a distress call concerning a truck fire.
Merely six minutes after their arrival, tragedy struck as one of the truck’s two compressed natural gas tanks detonated, injuring nine firefighters who were actively extinguishing the flames. Alarming reports indicate that at least two of the firefighters were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, while others were being evaluated for injuries at the scene.
A disturbing video captured the moment the compressed natural gas explosion transpired, providing a chilling visual account of the incident. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) revealed that the vehicle involved in the explosion operated on compressed natural gas (CNG) rather than conventional diesel or gasoline. LAFD Capt. Erik Scott emphasized the magnitude of the explosion, describing the resulting fireball as towering as the nearby telephone poles.
Officials disclosed that the truck contained two 100-gallon tanks filled with compressed natural gas. Firefighters remained present at the site to safely release the remaining gas from the second tank, which had been ravaged by the explosion. The aftermath of the blast left debris strewn across the street, and footage from NBC Los Angeles displayed the presence of multiple fire engines and the burnt wreckage of the truck near a rail crossing. Additionally, security camera footage captured the horrifying sight of a fireball ascending into the South Bay community’s sky.
Expressing her astonishment, Molly R. Deane from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center remarked on the fortunate circumstances that prevented more severe injuries among the firefighters involved. Chief Kristin Crowley of the Los Angeles Fire Department shared that one of the critically injured firefighters had stabilized but would remain under observation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Remarkably, the firefighter was conscious, alert, and able to engage in conversation.
The second firefighter in critical condition required intubation and was transferred to Los Angeles General Medical Center for specialized treatment at a dedicated burn unit. Fortunately, the truck driver escaped unharmed and promptly contacted emergency services after detecting an anomaly with the vehicle.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a fuel gas primarily composed of methane and stored within highly pressurized containers. CNG vehicles operate similarly to their gasoline-powered counterparts, utilizing spark-ignited internal combustion engines. The gas is stored within a cylinder, supplying fuel to fuel lines equipped with a pressure regulator. Eventually, the CNG merges with air within the combustion chamber, undergoing compression and ignition through a spark plug.
This catastrophic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with compressed natural gas and the critical role of firefighters in safeguarding communities. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion, hoping to prevent similar incidents in the future.
