(C) KTLA
LOS ANGELES — A major fire erupted aboard a large container ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles (LA), the United States' busiest container port, on November 21, forcing the suspension of operations at several container terminals.
The vessel, identified as the ONE Henry Hudson, caught fire around 7:00 p.m. local time while berthed at the port, according to reports from U.S. media outlets, including the Associated Press (AP).
Fortunately, all 23 crew members of the container ship were safely evacuated, and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary assessments suggest it may have started due to an electrical malfunction beneath the main deck. The LAFD indicated that the blaze subsequently spread to other levels, leading to an explosion on one of the intermediate decks. Adding to the concern, it has been reported that the ship was carrying hazardous materials.
A massive response was mounted, with more than 100 firefighters deployed by authorities to battle the intense flames.
The fire has had a significant impact on port operations. Four out of the seven container terminals at the Port of LA were forced to cease operations following the incident. In the immediate vicinity of the ship, a water safety zone has been established. Furthermore, the spread of smoke necessitated the closure of California State Route 47, disrupting local traffic.
Situated in San Pedro Bay, California, the Port of Los Angeles is the largest port in the United States by container volume and serves as a crucial gateway for cargo originating from Asia.
The vessel involved, the ONE Henry Hudson, is a substantial freighter measuring 336 meters in length. It belongs to the Ocean Network Express (ONE Ocean Express), a shipping company headquartered in Singapore.
The full extent of the damage to the vessel and the cargo, as well as the complete disruption to the supply chain, is still being assessed. Port officials and fire authorities are working diligently to contain the fire, investigate its cause, and restore full operations to the vital maritime hub as quickly as possible. The incident underscores the logistical and safety challenges inherent in operating massive container vessels that transport vast quantities of global trade.
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