LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement regarding the closure to the I-10 Freeway in the Downtown area.
“Last night, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a significant blaze under the I-10 Freeway east of Downtown Los Angeles. I want to thank Chief Crowley and the Los Angeles Fire Department for their rapid response. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
“As of now, the freeway is closed in both directions. This evening, emergency crews will continue to assess the damages and how commuters, surrounding businesses and other travelers will be impacted in the future. I have directed all city departments to immediately plan for how to address increased traffic due to this closure to best mitigate the impact on Angelenos and we will continue to urgently coordinate with our state partners to resolve this issue for not only the millions who use this freeway, but also for those who live and work in the surrounding areas.
“I have spoken with United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and he assured Los Angeles that the White House stands at the ready to assist with whatever is needed. I have also been in touch with Governor Newsom and thank him for his assurance that the State will pull out all the stops to get this freeway repaired. During the 1994 Northridge earthquake, CalTrans worked around the clock to complete emergency repairs to the freeways, and this structural damage calls for the same level of urgency and effort. We will provide another update tomorrow.”
Angelenos planning to attend major sporting events in or around Downtown Los Angeles, please plan for delays and check for alternative routes. Traffic officers are on location to alleviate traffic impacts. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the impacted area. Please heed traffic officer instructions.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated. Earlier today, Mayor Bass activated the EOC to Level 3 as the city rapidly works to respond to this damage.