Massive Oil Spill Shuts Down East LA Intersection

At approximately 3:30 a.m. on May 22, 2026, emergency crews responded to a ruptured oil pipeline near Eastern Avenue and Cesar E. Chavez Avenue in East Los Angeles.

Authorities say underground drilling operations struck a 16-inch oil pipeline, causing crude oil to spill into nearby streets, storm drains, and waterways connected to the Los Angeles River.

Heavy oil runoff could later be seen flowing into portions of the LA River near South Gate, where the smell of petroleum was reported to be extremely strong.

Investigators said the damaged pipeline reportedly transports oil from Kern County and runs beneath multiple parts of Los Angeles, including the area near Dodger Stadium.

Construction crews and cleanup teams worked around the clock over multiple days, bringing in tanker trucks, excavation equipment, barriers, and containment resources to stop the leak and remove contaminated oil.

Video from the scene showed fiber optic installation work taking place near the rupture site, along with crews hand-digging around the damaged section of pipeline as cleanup operations continued overnight.

The affected intersection remained closed for an extended period while environmental and repair efforts continued.

Comments