Southbound 710 Freeway closed near Bell after overturned gas tanker ignites
Los Angeles County firefighters work to clean up the charred remains of an overturned tanker that ignited April 26 on the 710 Freeway.
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The southbound 710 Freeway near Vernon remained shut down on Sunday night after a gasoline truck earlier in the day overturned and ignited, sending a plume of black smoke that was visible from miles away, authorities said.
The overturned truck was reported at 3:27 p.m. on the southbound 710 Freeway near Florence Avenue in Bell, said Cheryl Sims, a supervising dispatcher with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The northbound side of the freeway had been closed but reopened shortly after 9:15 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. The southbound side of the freeway remained closed “until further notice” at Atlantic and Bandini boulevards, according to CHP spokesman Officer Peter Bishop.
The truck was hauling two fuel tanks with about 8,500 gallons of gasoline when it toppled over, fire officials said.
The fire was contained by 4:30 p.m., officials said. No injuries were reported.
The Fire Department sent more than 50 firefighters to the scene, including teams trained in handling hazardous materials.
It’s unclear what caused the truck to overturn.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno.
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