Dramatic photos capture 5 Freeway interchange fire

No one was hurt in a dramatic fire at the 5 and 2 freeway interchange in the Elysian Valley area on Saturday.

The fire sent up black smoke that was visible around the L.A. area. Drivers on the freeway and people nearby reached for their smartphones to snap photos of the fire.

Here are some images captured in social media:

The truck was carrying 7,500 gallons of fuel, according the Los Angeles Fire Department

Traffic over the top of the tunnel was halted in the northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at the interchange, according to CHP Officer Ed Jacobs. Motorists should use the 101 and 134 freeways as alternate routes, according to the CHP.

As of 12:10 p.m., all southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway were reopened. Northbound lanes remain closed at the 2 Freeway.

Although there were some initial reports of injuries and one death due to the fire, which was reported about 10:30 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department said there is no indication anyone was hurt in the mishap. The truck driver was said to be uninjured, fire spokesman Brian Humphrey said.

Humphries said there were reports of a “potential public hazard near manhole covers/storm drains in the area due to explosive runoff” from the overturned truck.

The bulk of the fuel has burned off and much of it has gone into the Los Angeles River, he said. Most of the flames have been extinguished, though firefighters were battling small fires in the Los Angeles River, he said.

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