Lithium Battery Fire Shuts Down 405, 110 Freeways in Long Beach, Creating Widespread Traffic Chaos

9.226.24: A truck carrying industrial-scale lithium-ion batteries overturned on the 47 Freeway near the Vincent Thomas Bridge on Thursday, leading to a hazardous fire that has caused major traffic disruptions across Long Beach. The incident has forced the closure of key routes, including the 405 Freeway, and sparked a complex emergency response from hazmat teams and firefighters.

### **The Incident**

The accident occurred around noon when the big rig overturned on the 47 Freeway near Terminal Island, close to Navy Way. The overturned truck caught fire, and the batteries it was carrying began to burn, emitting toxic gases and creating an extremely dangerous situation. At least one battery exploded, further complicating efforts to control the blaze. Emergency crews quickly set up a large perimeter around the area to keep the public safe and prevent the fire from spreading [oai_citation:3,Truck full of lithium-ion batteries crashes on 47 Freeway; hazmat crews shut down traffic through port • Long Beach Post News](https://lbpost.com/news/truck-batteries-bridge-long-beach-los-angeles-port/).

### **Emergency Response and Hazards**

Lithium-ion battery fires are notoriously difficult to manage due to their ability to produce toxic gases and the potential for explosions. Firefighters were forced to take defensive positions due to the hazardous conditions, which included off-gassing from the burning batteries. Specialized hazmat teams were called in to assist with the containment and suppression of the fire.

"The batteries have been damaged, and are on fire and off-gassing (with reports of one battery exploding)," the Los Angeles Fire Department stated in an alert. The immediate goal of the response teams has been to contain the fire and prevent further explosions while ensuring the safety of the surrounding area [oai_citation:2,Truck full of lithium-ion batteries crashes on 47 Freeway; hazmat crews shut down traffic through port • Long Beach Post News](https://lbpost.com/news/truck-batteries-bridge-long-beach-los-angeles-port/).

### **Traffic and Road Closures**

The incident has caused significant traffic disruptions, with closures affecting the 47 Freeway, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, and parts of the 405 Freeway. Traffic between the 110 and 710 freeways has come to a standstill, leaving many drivers stranded for hours. The California Highway Patrol has been managing the closures and advising motorists to avoid the area if possible.

Lithium Battery Fire Shuts Down 405 Freeway in Long Beach, Creating Widespread Traffic Chaos

As of now, it is unclear how long the closures will remain in effect, but estimates suggest the roads could be closed for 24 to 48 hours as crews work to safely remove the truck and extinguish the remaining fire. Commuters are urged to seek alternative routes and stay updated on traffic advisories to avoid further delays [oai_citation:1,Truck full of lithium-ion batteries crashes on 47 Freeway; hazmat crews shut down traffic through port • Long Beach Post News](https://lbpost.com/news/truck-batteries-bridge-long-beach-los-angeles-port/).

### **Impact on the Community**

This incident underscores the growing risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries. These fires pose unique challenges for emergency responders and can result in significant public safety risks and prolonged disruptions. The incident has raised questions about the need for stricter regulations and safety measures when transporting such materials through densely populated areas.

While there have been no reports of evacuations or injuries, the situation remains precarious, and the impact on traffic flow through one of the region's key transportation hubs is expected to be felt for days.

### **Ongoing Updates**

Authorities continue to monitor the fire and manage the site to ensure that the area is safe for reopening. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels for the latest updates on road closures and the status of the response efforts.

For more information, read the full coverage on the [Long Beach Post](https://lbpost.com/news/truck-batteries-bridge-long-beach-los-angeles-port/).