Authorities in Los Angeles are currently investigating two fires that erupted in Amazon shipping containers on freight trains, suspecting that theft and possible arson may be linked to these incidents.
The latest fire ignited at approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday at a Union Pacific rail yard located at 578 N. Mission Road in Boyle Heights, as reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered flames consuming the upper container of a double-stacked rail car. Responders, working alongside railroad staff and the Los Angeles Police Department, managed to control the blaze.
To ensure the fire was completely extinguished, a crane was deployed to lower the container to the ground, according to the LAFD.
This incident closely follows another similar occurrence on April 9, where a fire was reported near the same location, also involving an Amazon shipping container on a freight train.
The fire follows a similar incident reported April 9 near the same location, also involving an Amazon container on a freight train.
No injuries were reported in either case.
Authorities believe the incidents may be connected.
“The Fire Department, in partnership with the Union Pacific Police Department, is investigating a series of fires believed to be linked to ongoing theft activity,” an LAFD spokesperson said in a statement provided to ABC7. “These incidents pose a serious risk to public safety, and the investigation is ongoing.”
The California Post has reached out to the LAFD for further details.
