A few hours ago, Terminal 8 of the Los Angeles International Airport was shut down due to a gas leak, interrupting some United Airlines operations.
Gas leak in terminal 8
At 08:01 local time, LAX posted on Twitter that terminal 8 was being cleared because of a hazardous materials investigation.
A few hours after the initial announcement, the airport posted that the Los Angeles Fire Department was on scene and investigating the cause of an apparent gas leak.
United Airlines’ LAX bound flights were held at their origin airports during the investigation, and terminal 8 passengers were sent to terminal 7 for screening. United flights in the air at the time of the incident continued to land as planned, and delayed flights were cleared to begin departing after 10:00.
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Terminal 8 is home to United mainline and regional flights operating as United Express. Because of the incident in Terminal 8, United was forced to consolidate its operations to Terminal 7 until the investigation was complete. At 10:04 AM, LAX lifted the ground stop for arriving United flights.
injuries
Four people were injured at LAX this morning, and according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), all four were airport employees. Of the four victims, the one in the worst condition went from grave to critical.
A Los Angeles Fire Department report said the four employees were working “when a popping sound was heard, and the apparent release of carbon dioxide took place.”
“LAFD Hazardous Materials experts have closely examined the area with sophisticated instruments, and discovered only trace residue of carbon dioxide remaining within the utility room.” -Los Angeles Fire Department
The fire department held a press conference at the airport regarding the incident. The incident occurred near the baggage area of terminal 8.
Recent LAX news
In preparation to host matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, the Los Angeles International Airport is undergoing a series of renovations and enhancements, like the opening of the new Delta Air Lines Terminal 3.
Delta Air Lines unveiled a new terminal 3 at LAX early this month with expanded seating areas, new gates, new restaurants, and retail locations. In April, the first step of the enhancements was unveiled, including a new Delta Sky Club, a new check-in lobby, an expanded security checkpoint, and baggage claim expansion.
The three-step enhancement project is a joint investment by Delta Air Lines and Los Angeles World Airports, valued at $2.3 billion.
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