A large fire in downtown Los Angeles has led to the indefinite closure of a major section of the I-10 freeway.
The fire is suspected to be an act of arson and originated from a pallet yard located under the freeway.
The I-10 freeway sees about 300,000 vehicles daily.
The state is in litigation with Apex Development, Inc., the owner of the business leasing the storage property where the fire started.
A large fire that broke out in downtown Los Angeles on November 11, 2023, has led to the indefinite closure of a major section of the Interstate 10 (I-10) freeway. The fire, which is suspected to be an act of arson, originated from a pallet yard located under the freeway and spread to a second pallet yard, causing significant damage to the freeway overpass and destroying several vehicles. The damage includes melted steel guardrails and damaged firetrucks. Over 160 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze.
The closure of the I-10, a freeway that sees about 300,000 vehicles daily, has caused major traffic disruptions in the city. The California Department of Transportation has provided a map showing alternate freeway routes around the I-10 closure and officials have advised drivers to seek alternative routes and avoid downtown Los Angeles if possible. In addition, Metrolink is expanding its service on the San Bernardino Line to help riders affected by the freeway's closure.
In response to the incident, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state is in litigation with Apex Development, Inc., the owner of the business leasing the storage property where the fire started. The company had been subleasing the space to other entities despite an expired lease. The state is mobilizing resources for necessary repairs and assessing the structural integrity of the bridge. However, no estimated date for the reopening of the route has been provided.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state is in litigation with Apex Development, Inc., the owner of the business leasing the storage property where the fire started.
The company had been subleasing the space to other entities despite an expired lease.
The fire originated from a pallet yard under the freeway and spread to a second pallet yard, damaging the freeway overpass and destroying several vehicles.