A crude oil pipeline rupture in East Los Angeles released an estimated 2,400 gallons of oil into nearby storm drains, eventually contaminating the Los Angeles River.

The incident occurred early Friday morning near East Cesar Chavez and North Eastern avenues when a telecommunications crew drilling underground for fiber-optic installation accidentally struck a buried 6-inch pipeline carrying crude oil from Kern County to the Port of Los Angeles.

The pipeline was shut down within approximately 30 minutes of the rupture, but not before oil flowed through storm drains and reached the river system.Emergency responders and environmental agencies quickly mobilized to contain the spill.

Oil-absorbing booms were deployed at multiple points along the river, including areas near the Pacific Coast Highway, Willow Street, and Ocean Boulevard.Skimming operations were also launched to remove oil sheen visible on the water’s surface.

Officials from Long Beach reported monitoring downstream conditions and stated that no additional oil appeared to be entering the river, though cleanup efforts continued to address contamination already present.Wildlife impact became a major concern as responders discovered multiple birds covered in crude oil.

According to the Oiled Wildlife Care Network, the animals were transported to a specialized care facility in San Pedro for cleaning and rehabilitation.State officials reported that at least 25 birds had been rescued over the weekend.

In addition to environmental mitigation, outreach teams were dispatched along riverbanks to inform unhoused residents about the spill and offer support services.The intersection where the rupture occurred remained closed while excavation and repair work proceeded.