Major Emergency at US Port as Container Ship Engulfed in Flames
A significant emergency unfolded at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday night as dozens of firefighters battled a fierce blaze aboard a large container ship. The incident, which involved an explosion and hazardous materials, required a massive response from emergency services.
Crew Accounted For as Fire Rages Onboard
Officials from the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that all 23 crew members were safely accounted for and no injuries were reported. The fire is believed to have started as an electrical fire below deck, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The ship's cargo was confirmed to include hazardous materials, heightening concerns.
Fire Escalates with Explosion
By approximately 7 p.m., the situation intensified as the fire spread to several levels of the vessel. A significant development occurred when an explosion took place mid-deck, complicating firefighting efforts. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that more than 100 firefighters were deployed to combat the flames at the port, which is renowned as the busiest in North America.
Mayor Bass also addressed public safety concerns, noting that "LAFD Hazardous Materials companies are monitoring air quality as fire suppression continues." The vessel involved is the 1,102-foot-long (336-metre-long) One Henry Hudson, operated by the Singapore-based shipping company, One Ocean Express.
Prior to its arrival in Los Angeles, the ship had recently called at several ports in Japan, including Kobe, Nagoya, and Tokyo. The company has not yet provided a public comment in response to requests from The Associated Press.
