A major incident unfolded at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday evening as a cargo ship caught fire and suffered an explosion, leaving six crew members unaccounted for and prompting a significant emergency response.
Explosion and Intense Blaze
The fire department confirmed that a powerful explosion occurred mid-deck on the burning vessel, causing substantial disruption to the port's operations. The blast knocked out power and brought crane operations to a halt at the San Pedro port facility, a key hub for international shipping.
Firefighters faced extremely dangerous conditions as they battled the blaze. The department identified the presence of hazardous materials in several of the ship's bays, requiring crews to use specialised protective equipment. All responding firefighters were fully encapsulated and using self-contained breathing apparatus to protect against potential toxic exposure.
Search for Missing Crew Continues
Six crew members remain missing following the incident, which began on Friday evening, 22nd November 2024. Emergency services continue their search and rescue operations while working to contain the complex fire.
The combination of the explosion, fire, and confirmed hazardous materials has created a challenging multi-agency response scenario. The exact cause of the initial fire and subsequent explosion remains under investigation as authorities work to secure the vessel and account for all personnel.
Port Operations Affected
The incident has caused significant disruption at one of America's busiest shipping terminals. The power outage and suspension of crane operations will likely impact shipping schedules and cargo movements in the immediate aftermath of the emergency.
Authorities have not yet provided an estimated timeline for when full operations might resume at the affected section of the port, as safety remains the primary concern while firefighting and search operations continue.
