Tankers to face tighter scrutiny
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Tank ships unloading fuel at the nation’s busiest port complex will face more scrutiny under a new inspection program launched by the Los Angeles and Long Beach fire departments.
Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief Lou Roupoli said Wednesday that firefighters from both departments will work together to inspect tankers carrying oil, gas and other combustibles.
The Los Angeles department has been inspecting such vessels since the oil tanker Sansinena exploded and burned in Los Angeles Harbor in 1976, killing nine people and injuring dozens more.
Firefighters at neighboring Long Beach Harbor have done periodic inspections of tank ships. But under the joint program, inspections will be rigorously conducted at both ports.
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