L.A. Freeway shut down due to huge fire
LOS ANGELES, CA (BDCi) – The Pomona freeway or “60” was shut down a little after noon on Wednesday in both directions due to an extraordinary tanker truck fire that happened where Paramount Boulevard intersects with the major thoroughfare.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the truck was carrying nearly 9,000 gallons of gas, and that due to the extreme heat of the flames hitting the Paramount Boulevard overpass, explosions could be heard from the large chunks of concrete breaking away from the overpass sections.
The east-west freeway was closed between the 710 and 605 freeways the rest of the day and this same section is expected to remain closed for clean up and overpass repair at least through the Thursday morning commute.
California Highway Patrol officers were investigating the cause of the fire, and speculation ensued that the truck may have hit another vehicle, run over debris or experienced some mechanical failure.
Alternative routes for southland motorists who depend on this route for their daily commute are: 10 freeway, Whittier Blvd., Olympic Blvd., Washington Blvd., 105 freeway to 605/710
By Don Weinstein Source: Los Angeles Times Photo courtesy of: Los Angeles Times
15 December 2011