Construction crew spill causes six-hour closure, oil breach in busy intersection A construction crew installing fiber optic lines in East Los Angeles caused a pipeline rupture, spilling at least 2,400 gallons of crude oil near East Cesar Chavez and North Eastern avenues. This led to the closure of the area and the discharge of oil into nearby storm drains and the Los Angeles River. The CHP issued a SigAlert for the closure of the area near East Cesar Chavez and Eastern avenues for about six hours. A construction crew installing fiber optic lines in East Los Angeles ruptured an underground pipeline early Friday morning, spilling at least 2,400 gallons of crude oil. The oil breached the asphalt at East Cesar Chavez and North Eastern avenues, with a portion entering local storm drains and releasing into the Los Angeles River. The leak is now controlled, but officials warn that pipeline repairs will take days. Public health agencies are advising residents to limit exposure to strong odors. Firefighters were dispatched just after 3 a.m. to the area, and the pipeline operator was notified and shut down the flow within 30 minutes of being notified.Environmental scientists, wildlife officers, and oil spill prevention specialists will remain on-site to monitor the LA River and investigate the volume of the spill. Commuters are advised to completely avoid the intersection. Local residents who spot wildlife impacted by the oil should report it to authorities. In case of health symptoms, contact your medical provider