LOS ANGELES (AP) – A significant fire erupted on a container ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday night, drawing the response of dozens of firefighters working to contain the blaze. The incident raised concerns due to the presence of hazardous materials within the ship's cargo.
According to officials from the Los Angeles Fire Department, all 23 crew members aboard the 1,102-foot-long vessel, named the One Henry Hudson, were accounted for, and fortunately, there were no reported injuries due to the electrical fire that is believed to have originated below deck. By approximately 7 p.m., the fire had already spread to multiple levels of the ship.
The situation escalated further with an explosion occurring mid-deck, contributing to the complexity of firefighting efforts. As of now, the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, prompting the fire department to conduct a thorough investigation once the fire is under control.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass shared that more than 100 firefighters were actively engaged in combating the flames at the port, known as the busiest in North America. The fire response included specialized Hazardous Materials units monitoring air quality during the firefighting operations, a precaution necessary due to the hazardous nature of the materials aboard.
The One Henry Hudson is operated by One Ocean Express, a shipping company based in Singapore. Before arriving in Los Angeles, the ship had completed its previous stops in Japan, including cities like Kobe, Nagoya, and Tokyo. At this time, there has been no immediate response from One Ocean Express regarding the incident.
This incident starkly highlights the potential risks associated with cargo shipping, particularly when hazardous materials are involved. The firefighting efforts have been substantial, representing the coordinated response of local emergency services to manage the complexities of such a crisis effectively. The situation is ongoing, and further updates will follow as the fire is brought under control and investigations proceed.
