Three deputies killed in explosion at East Los Angeles sheriff’s training center
Three Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies were killed in an explosion on Friday morning while handling undetonated ordnance that had been recovered the previous night.
The blast occurred at 1060 N. Eastern Ave. at about 7:30 a.m., the Los Angeles County Fire Department said. That address corresponds with the LASD’s Biscailuz Center Training Academy, News.Az reports, citing US media.
Three people are confirmed dead, and a source tells KTLA 5 that those involved were deputies.
Additional injuries have also been reported, though the number and nature of them has not been disclosed.
Aerial footage from Sky5 shows an LASD vehicle with a shattered rear windshield and a nearby backpack on the parking lot asphalt near what appears to be the department’s explosives trucks.
Additionally, a tarp over the bomb trucks was visibly damaged, presumably in the explosion.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been disclosed, but KTLA’s Eric Spillman reports that deputies were moving unexploded ordnance recovered Thursday night when they detonated.
“All roads lead back to [it being an accident,” said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
The blast has prompted governmental agencies at all levels to offer their help and provide assistance with the investigation.
KTLA’s Annie Rose Ramos reports that the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad arrived to the training center at about 8:45 a.m.
“I just spoke to [U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli] about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles,” Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on social media. “Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more. Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed.”
News.Az
