LA County Sheriff incident. Credit: X @@LASDHQ
Three veteran deputies were killed in a powerful explosion on Friday morning, July 18, at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) training facility.
The blast occurred at around 7:30 am local time at the Biscailuz Training Facility and has prompted a major federal and local investigation.
“There’s a black cloud over our department today,” said LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, confirming the deaths of three members of the arson explosives detail during a live press briefing via BBC.
Experienced bomb squad team among the dead
The three deputies who died had a combined 74 years of service, according to Sheriff Luna. Their names have not yet been released, as one family is still being notified.
“If you’re familiar with our Special Enforcement Bureau, they’re the best of the best,” Luna said. “Unfortunately, I lost three of them today.” as reported by CBS News.
Luna added that these deputies averaged over 1,100 calls a year, underscoring their experience and expertise.
What caused the explosion at Biscailuz Training Facility?
The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown. Luna confirmed that federal partners, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are leading a post-blast investigation. Homicide detectives have also responded.
The bomb squad has since declared the training facility safe, and authorities say there is no threat to the surrounding community.
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