Oil pipeline struck during fiber optic construction spills into L.A. storm drains
(UI) - A construction crew installing fiber optic infrastructure ruptured a 16-inch crude oil pipeline in East Los Angeles early Friday, sending oil into nearby storm drains and portions of the Los Angeles River channel.
According to NBC4 News, the underground pipeline was struck during drilling work near East Cesar Chavez and North Eastern avenues. Emergency crews responded after crude oil began spilling onto roadways and into the stormwater system, prompting a large-scale containment and cleanup effort.
Los Angeles County officials said containment booms were deployed downstream as hazardous materials crews worked to prevent additional oil from reaching waterways. Authorities described the incident as a significant petroleum release, though officials later said the flow had been reduced substantially.
The damaged pipeline carries crude oil between Kern County and the Port of Los Angeles, NBC4 News reported. Pacific Pipeline System said the impacted section of pipe was isolated following the incident while emergency response operations continued.
The utility strike also disrupted traffic near the area as cleanup and repair work remained underway.
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