7 people in Downey treated after plane dumps fuel

DOWNEY — The Downey Fire Department treated seven people after a Delta airliner dumped fuel over parts of the city during an emergency landing at LAX on Tuesday.

Delta Flight 89 was scheduled to travel from LAX to Shanghai when it reported a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff. The plane dumped fuel over parts of southeast L.A. County on its approach to LAX.

Dozens of children and adults sustained minor injuries due to the jet fuel release, including 31 students and teachers at Park Avenue Elementary in Cudahy. Firefighters and paramedics also treated six patients each at Tweedy Elementary and San Gabriel Elementary, both in South Gate.

Downey firefighters treated seven people at Gallatin Pre-School. None of the injuries were serious.

Residents reported drops of jet fuel in various part of north and northwest Downey, prompting fire officials to urge residents to close their doors and windows.

“None of our schools reported the visible site of fuel droplets, however, there were reports of fumes on some campuses,” said Downey Unified Superintendent Dr. John Garcia. “Immediate action was taken on those campuses and outdoor playground access was adjusted and students were kept indoors.”