LAX emergency landing, terminal hazmat response, and 405 night closures
Los Angeles, CA – March 3, 2026 – A United jet returns to LAX after an engine scare, hazmat call hits a terminal, and 405 overnight closures begin.
Top local headlines for Tuesday
United flight returns to LAX after reported engine issue
A New Jersey-bound United flight turned back to Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, March 2, after a reported engine problem shortly after takeoff. The plane landed safely, and passengers and crew were evacuated on the taxiway using slides and stairs. Airport operations were briefly impacted as firefighters responded and the runway area was secured, and the federal government has opened an investigation into what caused the incident.
Hazmat response after terminal officers exposed to ‘strange’ substance
Los Angeles firefighters and airport police responded Tuesday morning to a possible hazmat situation at LAX after several terminal officers were exposed to an unknown substance. Officials said the officers were alert and in fair condition during the initial response. The substance had not been publicly identified early Tuesday, and the investigation was continuing as crews worked to assess any health or operational impacts.
Overnight I-405 lane reductions begin in the Sepulveda Pass
Drivers heading through the Sepulveda Pass should plan for overnight lane reductions and periodic ramp closures starting Monday night, March 2, and continuing through early Saturday, March 7. The work is scheduled overnight, with crews closing lanes in both directions between the U.S. 101 and Wilshire Boulevard area for electrical work tied to a larger pavement rehabilitation project. If you commute late, expect slower travel times and follow posted detours around closed ramps.
Police use-of-force investigation update released
Police issued a new public update Monday, March 2, describing an earlier Mission Division encounter that began as a call about a person in crisis and ended with the use of a less-lethal launcher. The man was later taken into custody and treated at a hospital, and investigators said the inquiry remains ongoing as they review evidence and interview witnesses.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/19ea293a9b767045e88a074d3b89de23
- https://lafd.org/alert/aircraft-now-static-03022026-inc0726
- https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/lax-officers-substance-exposure-hazmat/
- https://westsidetoday.com/2026/03/01/overnight-405-lane-closures-through-sepulveda-pass-scheduled-march-2-7/
- https://www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/law-enforcement-related-injury-in-mission-division-nrf010-26bb/
