An industrial accident at the Port of Long Beach Sunday afternoon injured three workers, according to authorities.

A tube used to transfer petroleum coke from a storage ship to ships at Pier F partially collapsed, according to Port of Long Beach spokesperson Lee Peterson.

The collapse occurred around 4:35 p.m. and three workers were injured, according to Long Beach Fire Department spokesperson Brian Fisk. Two of the injured workers were transported in stable condition to area hospitals, said Fisk. A third worker was treated for minor injuries, said Fisk.

A tube used to transfer petroleum coke at Pier F partially collapsed Sunday, July 10, 2022. Photo courtesy the Long Beach Fire Department.

A total of 13 LBFD units responded to the accident, including the department’s urban search and rescue unit, said Fisk.

The collapse sent a cloud of smoke and dust into the air that could be seen from Downtown.

Petroleum coke is a byproduct of oil refinement and is exported, according to Peterson.

The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation.

Crews lower main span of Gerald Desmond as demolition begins on 54-year-old bridge

Anthony Pignataro is an investigative reporter and editor for the Long Beach Post. He has close to three decades of experience in journalism leading numerous investigations and long-form journalism projects for the OC Weekly and other publications. He joined the Post in May 2021.