On June 22, 2003 Torrance fire units responded to the scene of an over-turned tanker truck at 182nd and Crenshaw. The tanker was actively leaking it's product, gasoline, at a rate of about 5 to 10 gallons per minute.
The tanker truck had apparently experienced a mechanical problem that caused the tanker to over-turn while making the turn onto Crenshaw from 182nd street.
While fire suppression personnel foamed the leaking product, establishing a vapor barrier, HazMat personnel drilled holes in the tank and used a stinger to off-load product into a waiting pump-off truck.
Haz Mat personnel also conducted continuous monitoring downwind to address any escaping vapors. Continuous monitoring determined that no explosive vapors were present around the site.
As a precaution, nearby businesses did have to be evacuated.
The total amount of fuel spilled was estimated to be from 50 to 150 gallons with none entering the storm drain system. There were no reported injuries. The cause of the accident is being investigated by California Highway Patrol.
