A devastating explosion occurred on Friday morning at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Biscailuz Training Center in East L.A., resulting in the deaths of three deputies.
The blast took place around 7:30 a.m. at the facility located on Eastern Avenue, which is home to the sheriff’s special enforcement bureau and the arson explosive detail, including the bomb squad.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, the deputies who lost their lives had impressive tenures, serving between 19 and 33 years with the department.
“This is, unfortunately, the largest loss of life for us at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department since 1857,” Luna stated during a press conference held later that morning.
Preliminary information suggests that the deputies were in the process of moving an unexploded ordnance that had been recently recovered from a bomb callout when the explosion occurred.
While there were initial reports of a fourth individual sustaining injuries, Sheriff Luna clarified that no other injuries were reported.
The names of the deceased deputies have not yet been released, but Sheriff Luna mentioned that he engaged in difficult conversations with two of the families of the fallen officers.
“As you can imagine, those were extremely challenging conversations,” Luna expressed, his voice heavy with emotion.
The bomb squad routinely handles calls involving potential explosives throughout the region, and the nature of their work is inherently dangerous due to the unpredictability of explosive materials.
Following the explosion, LAPD’s bomb squad was dispatched to the scene to secure any additional potential explosives.
Authorities worked tirelessly for several hours to ensure the safety of the area, as indicated by Sheriff Luna.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on site to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Employees at the training center reported hearing a tremendous boom shortly before the explosion, followed by the sounds of glass shattering and distress.
Radio communications from the scene revealed that a sheriff’s dispatcher informed units about an “explosion with three down,” and later directed investigators to maintain a safe distance from the site.
In response to the blast, officials covered the area with a large tarp as they began the investigation.
The explosion was substantial enough to damage vehicles in the vicinity, including blowing out the windows of an SUV cruiser located approximately 25 yards from the training facility.
A sheriff’s helicopter was observed circling the area while multiple emergency vehicles rushed to the scene, and civilian vehicles were directed away from the parking lot.
Video footage captured a bomb technician in a protective blast suit approaching the site to remove materials before returning to the evidence gathering area.
Former L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva commented on the tragic event, stating that the arson explosives detail comprises some of the department’s most seasoned personnel.
“The loss is just staggering,” he remarked, emphasizing that it would take time to determine the cause of the explosion and if it could have been avoided.
Ed Nordskog, a retired member of the department’s arson explosives detail, noted the significant challenges faced by the bomb and arson unit, which is among the busiest in the country.
The squad routinely responds to numerous calls involving military ordnance, explosives, suspicious packages, and improvised devices.
“This job requires at least a year of formal training and several years of field experience to become fully proficient,” Nordskog explained.
The explosion has deeply affected the Los Angeles community, prompting expressions of sorrow and solidarity from various officials.
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger stated she was heartbroken over the tragedy that unfolded at the sheriff’s facility.
“My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time,” Barger added, expressing support for the families involved.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office indicated that he was briefed on the situation, with the California Office of Emergency Services closely monitoring the incident and offering state assistance.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi referred to the explosion as a “horrific incident” and confirmed that federal agents were on the scene to gather more information.
The Biscailuz Training Center has a history of serving as a training facility for deputies since 1946, undergoing renovations before reopening in 2017.
The Sheriff’s Department has faced multiple incidents involving danger at its training facilities, including notable fires at its mobile shooting ranges in the last 12 years.
In 2023, two deputies sustained severe burns during a fire incident in a trailer at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.
Richard Montoya, a local resident, recounted how he and his children experienced three successive explosions that shook their home, initially mistaking them for fireworks.
As the blasts were stronger than typical firework displays, Montoya quickly realized the gravity of the situation.
The response to the explosion drew spectators, spurring a variety of theories and questions about the event.
One onlooker shouted inquiries to deputies nearby, while another expressed disbelief over how such an incident could occur.
Luisa Lopez, an employee at a local fabrication facility, noticed the commotion when authorities began racing to the training center after the explosion.
Delia Sanchez, a resident who walks along Eastern Avenue every morning, described her shock after learning of the incident, given the typically peaceful nature of the area.
Reflecting on the community’s sentiments, Sanchez remarked, “I feel safe with them here,” referring to the presence of law enforcement at the training facility.
image source from：latimes
