At least 50,000 gallons of crude oil spewed into a half-square mile area of Atwater Village near Griffith Park early Thursday, May 15th after a pipeline ruptured. The pipeline rupture was located near the 5100 block of West San Fernando Road. Some areas near the rupture were under over a foot of crude oil.
The 20-inch, above ground pipeline ruptured around 1:00 a.m. Thursday morning. The area affected is an industrial area, so no injuries were reported. The oil flow through the pipeline was shut off remotely after the spill was reported. Authorities were unsure which company the pipeline belonged to at the time.
Authorities are continuing to working to clean up the spill. Numerous fire crews, hazardous-material crews, and street maintenance crews were dispatched to clean up the oil. Many local businesses and vehicles are currently impacted by the oil spill.
