Freeway explosion: 60 will be closed during morning commute
A stretch of the heavily traveled 60 Freeway near the site of a tanker-truck explosion will remain closed through the Thursday morning commute, the California Highway Patrol said.
The span between the 605 and 710 freeways will be shut down at least through the morning because of the fire damage sustained by an overpass, Capt. Omar Watson said Wednesday night.
The closure probably will create an exasperating rush-hour drive for morning commuters traveling the major transportation artery, which connects Los Angeles with the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire.
PHOTOS: Fiery crash on the 60 Freeway
About 220,000 vehicles use that stretch of the freeway daily, according to the California Department of Transportation.
State transportation officials said it was unclear when the freeway would be reopened.
Chunks of concrete and pieces of metal fell from the overpass at Paramount Boulevard as intense flames consumed the tanker, which was carrying thousands of gallons of gas, fire officials said.
One firefighter suffered a fractured leg battling the blaze, but was expected to be released from a hospital Wednesday night.
The cause of the fire had not been determined and was under investigation by the CHP.
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Photo: The charred wreckage of the tanker truck on the 60 Freeway.
Credit: Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times
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