3 deputies confirmed dead in explosion at East L.A. sheriff's training center
An explosion in East Los Angeles Friday morning killed three Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies who were moving undetonated ordnance, according to law enforcement sources.
The blast occurred at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center at 1060 N. Eastern Ave., at about 7:30 a.m., the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.
Aerial footage from Sky5 showed an LASD vehicle with a shattered rear windshield and a nearby backpack on the parking lot asphalt near what appeared to be the department's explosives trucks. A tarp over the bomb trucks was visibly damaged.
Sheriff Robert Luna said midday Friday that no one else was hurt, despite earlier media reports to the contrary.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been officially confirmed. However, KTLA's Eric Spillman, speaking with sources close to the investigation, reported that deputies were in the process of moving unexploded ordnance recovered Thursday night when one device detonated.
When asked by KTLA's Frank Buckley if the detonation was accidental, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said "all roads lead back to that."
"I think it's important for the Sheriff's Department, for Sheriff Luna to get out and dispel any rumors and also provide the facts and fill in the blanks on that," she added. "I am confident, though, that that is what the conclusion is going to be."
The blast has prompted governmental agencies at all levels to offer assistance with the investigation.
The Los Angeles Police Department's bomb squad arrived on scene to assist at about 8:45 a.m., KTLA's Annie Rose Ramos reports.
Additionally, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has "offered full state assistance," his office shared on social media.
Federal officials say they're also assisting.
"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."
Luis Zuniga contributed to this report. Check back for updates to this developing story.