Multiple fatalities were reported Friday morning, July 18 following a powerful explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility in East Los Angeles.
The blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training compound, which houses the agency’s arson explosives detail and bomb squad, according to KTLA.
Sources revealed that at least three deputies were killed in the incident.
Aerial footage captured the aftermath, showing damaged sheriff’s vehicles, shattered windows, and debris scattered across the training grounds. Several police vehicles were seen responding to the scene, and a sheriff’s vehicle with a broken rear windshield was visible inside the complex.
While the exact cause of the explosion has not been officially confirmed, law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times that the bomb squad had been moving explosives around the time of the incident. A backpack and explosives trucks were also observed near the site.
It remains unclear how many others may have been injured or if there were additional fatalities.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced she had spoken with LA County Sheriff Robert Luna and U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli to coordinate federal support.
“We have FBI and [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] agents on the ground to support,” Bondi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Please pray for the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.”
Investigations are ongoing, and no further details have been released.
