Delta Airlines plane dumps jet fuel onto South East Playgrounds

On January 14, 2020 at approximately 12:05p.m. a Delta Airlines plane dumped jet fuel onto South East Los Angeles schools.

"Shortly after takeoff, Flight 89 from LAX to Shanghai experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return to LAX," Delta Airlines said in a statement. "The aircraft landed safely after an emergency fuel release to reduce landing weight."- Fox 11 L.A.

Those who lived within the affected region were notified via news media outlets or school staff members and hour to two hours after the incident occurred. Residents, staff, and students who were aware of the incident were extremely frightened by the event. Neighboring schools and cities were not told or updated right away. Many panicked and searched social media, online media sources, friends, and colleagues for most recent updates.

The most publicized schools that were affected by the fuel jumping were:

Park Ave. Elementary School- Cudahy

Tweedy Elementary School- South Gate

San Gabriel Elementary School- South Gate

South Gate High School- South Gate

Graham Elementary- Graham-Florence

93rd St. Elementary- South Los Angeles

David Jordan Star High School- South Los Angeles

In addition to portions of Downey and Whittier, California.

In a Press Conference offered by City of Cudahy, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Office of Supervisor Hilda Solis :Courtesy of ABC 7 News .

The City of South Gate also released this statement:
Posted on:" January 14, 2020
Strong Odor in South Gate
On Tuesday January 14, 2020, at approximately 12:10pm, SGPD became aware of a strong odor of fuel surrounding the Police Department and Civic Center area. As personnel checked for the source of the odor, a fine mist of liquid was seen and felt falling from the sky. SGPD Dispatch confirmed with the LA Co Fire Department that they responded to a school in the City of Cudahy regarding possible airplane/jet fuel which had fallen from a passing plane and landed on the school, students, and staff. 23 individuals (17 children and 6 adults) from the City of Cudahy were triaged at scene.

LA Co. Fire dispatched personnel and Haz-Mat teams to the area of Cudahy and South Gate. South Gate Police Dispatch received several calls from residents inquiring about the smell, but did not receive any emergency aid or rescue calls as a result of the fuel dump. Preliminary information gathered by SGPD and LA Co. Fire is that a passing commercial airline dumped fuel as it passed over the areas of Bell, Cudahy, Bell Gardens, and South Gate while en-route to LAX. This event will be investigated by the airline and the FAA. The South Gate Emergency Services Coordinator made notification to the Area E Mutual Aid group and notifications were made to all Area E Cities."- Courtesy of City of South Gate.

Organizations and advocates are grouping together to demand environmental justice for the South East Cities. The South East is not a dumping ground for corporations and they will not stand for this.

Communities for a Better Environmental and East Yard Communities are actively informing S.E.L.A. city residents.

https://m.facebook.com/story.p...

Updates and areas affected continue to grow and reports expand. Information will be posted as updates become available.

Updates: January 15, 2020

Delta Hotline for Community Questions: 1-800-441-5955

For Health Related Issues call 211

LAUSD is providing updates on LAUSD.net

KLCS Family Hotline: 213-443-1300