Oiled birds treated after East LA pipeline rupture sends crude into LA River

About 25 birds coated in crude oil are receiving treatment at a Los Angeles wildlife care center after a fiber optic cable crew struck an underground pipeline Friday, releasing an estimated 2,400 gallons of crude oil into streets and the L.A. River.

An oil sheen has been tracked as far south as Pacific Coast Highway, raising concerns about contamination along waterways throughout Southern California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the affected birds are receiving specialized care locally.

The rupture occurred near the intersection of East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and North Eastern Avenue in East Los Angeles, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Workers installing fiber optic cables struck the underground pipeline, triggering the release that flooded surrounding streets before the oil drained into storm systems.

From the storm drains, crude oil entered the L.A. River. Responders tracked an oil sheen moving south along the river all the way to Pacific Coast Highway. Crews deployed containment booms at multiple points along the waterway and brought in vacuum trucks and spill response equipment to begin recovery operations.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said roughly 25 birds contaminated in the incident are now being cleaned and cared for at the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care & Education Center, where trained wildlife responders are providing treatment. ABC7 Los Angeles reported that state officials confirmed the birds are receiving care locally.

The Long Beach Fire Department responded to assist in cleanup efforts. The pipeline was under repair as of Friday, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Officials have not disclosed the name of the fiber optic cable contractor whose crew struck the line.

The full environmental impact of the spill is still being assessed. The Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care & Education Center continues to accept and treat oiled wildlife recovered from the incident.