A truck's fuel tank explosion in a Los Angeles neighborhood on Thursday sent a massive fireball into the air, resulting in the injury of nine firefighters who were responding to the blaze. Two of the firefighters are reported to be in critical condition, while the others sustained moderate to minor injuries.

All nine injured firefighters were quickly rushed to the Harbor-UCLA medical center, where they were promptly stabilized. One of the critically injured patients had to be intubated and airlifted to the burn unit at Los Angeles General medical center, according to Dr. Molly Deane, a trauma surgeon. Dr. Deane expressed relief that none of the firefighters were more severely injured given the intensity of the explosion as shown in the footage.

The driver of the truck, who escaped injury, observed something unusual with the tractor of the big rig and immediately called 911. The tractor, which ran on compressed natural gas carried in two 100-gallon tanks, experienced an explosion six minutes after firefighters arrived on the scene in Wilmington.

The incident occurred in an industrial area near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, about 18 miles south of downtown. Fortunately, no homes were in danger as the blast happened adjacent to the neighborhood but separated by a wide street and a rail line.

During a news conference held outside the medical center, Dr. Deane was joined by the fire chief and mayor, Karen Bass. Mayor Bass acknowledged that it was a difficult day for Los Angeles. TV news helicopter footage revealed the charred remnants of the truck, with a small flame still burning, as well as discarded firefighting equipment where the injured firefighters were initially treated.

The fire captain, Erik Scott, described the explosion as a massive fireball that reached the height of telephone poles. He noted that the explosion even caused damage to one of the nearby transformers. The second fuel tank is still off-gassing, posing a minor threat, as stated by Captain Scott.

In response to the incident, around 160 firefighters were deployed, and a large perimeter was set up as a precautionary measure.

Fire Chief Kristin Crowley seized the opportunity to emphasize the dangers inherent in firefighting, urging everyone to reflect on the risks faced by firefighters in their line of duty.

As investigations into the cause of the fuel tank explosion continue, the injured firefighters receive medical treatment and support from the community.