1 Dead, 2 Injured in Massive Fuel Tanker Collision

A fuel tanker crash on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles, California, late Saturday night, November 2, 2024, resulted in one fatality, two injuries, and a hazardous fuel spill, leading to an extensive freeway closure that disrupted traffic well into the following day.

The accident occurred around 10 p.m. on the northbound lanes between Manchester Avenue and Century Boulevard—a tanker carrying approximately 9,000 gallons of jet fuel overturned after colliding with several vehicles. 

According to the fuel tanker driver, Filipo Lafaele, he was heading northbound on the 110 Freeway when traffic began to slow. Suddenly, he heard a screeching noise as the traffic in the left lane came to a complete stop. Lafaele only realized he had been hit after his tanker ended up on the side of the freeway.

The impact trapped a black sedan, crushing it beneath the tanker, and the sedan’s driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim.

Two other people involved in the crash—a 30-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man—sustained minor injuries. Meanwhile, Lafaele escaped by kicking out the windshield, avoiding injury. After exiting the vehicle, he was taken to a hospital by a private vehicle and did not interact with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Hazardous materials crews and firefighters, wearing full protective gear due to the flammability of the jet fuel, arrived at the scene to contain the spill. LAFD reported that about 100 gallons of jet fuel leaked onto the freeway. Emergency responders focused on preventing the fuel from entering nearby storm drains by utilizing siphoning and pumping techniques. LAFD described the situation as a “static fuel leak,” meaning it did not pose an immediate fire threat but required a carefully managed containment response to prevent environmental contamination.

The accident forced authorities to close both northbound and southbound lanes of the 110 Freeway and connector ramps to the 105 Freeway, initiating a 14-hour closure. Southbound lanes reopened around 7 a.m. Sunday, but the northbound lanes remained closed until approximately 12:20 p.m. Cleanup crews spent the morning carefully removing debris and addressing hazardous materials before reopening the freeway.

The incident highlights the risks of hazardous material transport on heavily trafficked routes. Jet fuel, a highly flammable substance, poses particular challenges for emergency containment and cleanup operations. According to protocols, such accidents require prompt intervention to protect the environment and prevent the fuel from entering water systems. 

Motorists were advised to avoid the area for several hours as crews cleared the site. Traffic flow returned to normal later in the day, but the investigation into the crash’s cause continues. The California Highway Patrol is reviewing possible factors, such as vehicle conditions and driver actions leading up to the accident.

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