US: Crews responding after semi-truck carrying batteries overturns, catching fire and causing hazmat situation in San Pedro, Calif., Sept. 26

Authorities are responding after a semi-truck carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned and caught fire in the vicinity of 940 North Seaside Avenue in the San Pedro area of Los Angeles, California, Sept. 26. The crash reportedly damaged the batteries, setting them ablaze and releasing gas; authorities have also reported the explosion of at least one of the batteries. Firefighters and hazmat specialists have deployed to the scene and asserted that there is "no widespread or off-site hazard." No casualties or evacuation orders were immediately reported.

Amid the emergency response, authorities have closed Highway 47 (North Seaside Avenue) in both directions between the southbound Interstate 710 (I-710)/Highway 47 transition (Exit 1) to Harbor Boulevard (Exit 1C), including the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Officials have implemented traffic diversions in the area, and significant traffic congestion has materialized. Authorities did not immediately provide an estimate as to when their emergency response would conclude and the affected route would reopen to traffic.

Heightened security and transport disruptions will almost certainly affect the vicinity of the crash site until the emergency response concludes and authorities vacate the scene.