MARINA DEL REY (CNS) - A liquid oxygen spill today prompted closure of the emergency room at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and the postponement of surgeries, but no injuries were reported.
Firefighters were sent to the facility at 4650 Lincoln Blvd. about 8:40 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
“The liquid oxygen spill originated from a sheared pipe on a 2,000- gallon tank,” said Margaret Stewart of the LAFD. “The majority of the tank contents spilled.”
Emergency room functions were reassigned to other area medical facilities while crews worked to assess the problem, determine the cause of the break and repair the damaged pipe, a situation that was continuing late Monday morning.
Some patients were taken to other hospitals by LAFD ambulances, based on their medical needs, LAFD Capt. Erik Scott said.
When the leaking liquid oxygen in the outdoor tank mixed with air, it froze, and the area has to be thawed out before repairs can be made, Scott said.
Liquid oxygen is used for medical reasons that include assisting in treating respiratory problems.
Cedars-Sinai officials released a statement saying the hospital was “working closely with the Los Angeles City Fire Department to assess and resolve this situation. No injuries have been reported. Surgeries have been postponed, but the hospital remains open and we continue to care for our patients. Protecting the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff remains our top priority.”
Cedars-Sinai planned to post updates on Facebook and Twitter, via MDRHospital.
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