Three experienced officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department died after a deadly explosion at a law enforcement training facility in East Los Angeles on Friday morning.
The blast happened at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training Facility.
This site houses the sheriff department’s bomb squad, arson explosives detail, and special enforcement bureau.
The incident occurred in the parking lot of the special enforcement bureau area.
While the exact cause is still under review, initial reports suggest the officers were handling an unexploded device retrieved from a recent bomb-related call when it unexpectedly detonated.
The officers involved were part of the arson explosives detail and had served in the department for 19 to 33 years.
Authorities have not yet made their names public, waiting to notify the families first.
This event marks the largest single loss of life for the department since it was founded in 1857.
No other injuries have been reported. Officials confirmed that the explosion was contained to one area and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are supporting the investigation.
The area around the facility has been evacuated and secured while the investigation continues.
Federal and state officials have responded to the incident.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed and confirmed that state resources have been offered.
Members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors expressed their sorrow and are monitoring the situation closely.
Law enforcement teams handle potentially dangerous materials on a daily basis, but such tasks come with unpredictable risks.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those working to keep the public safe.