A minimum of 17 people, including policemen and civilians, have been hurt after 5000 lb of illegal fireworks exploded in LA.
The massive explosion rocked the Historic South-Central neighborhood on June 30 at around 7:30 pm after the LAPD confiscated the fireworks and explosives earlier that day.
The bomb squad wanted to safely detonate some of what they confiscated in a vehicle that was supposed to withstand the blast, but unfortunately, it was almost destroyed and many people were injured as a consequence.
Our Bomb Squad officers were in the process of seizing over 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in the area of 27th Street and San Pedro. Some of the fireworks were being stored in our Bomb Squad trailer as a precautionary measure. Unknown at this time what caused an explosion.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) July 1, 2021
Nine police officers and one federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent suffered minor injuries, according to NBC News.
Three people who were nearby suffered moderate injuries, and three others suffered minor injuries. One person was treated at the scene of the blast but the medics did not think a hospital visit was necessary.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said the following:
“This vessel should have been able to safely dispose of that material. And you saw the resulting damage, and the total catastrophic failure of that containment vehicle… clearly protocols were followed and pursued, but something happened in that containment vehicle that should have not happened and we don’t know why. We intend to find out why.”
WATCH: LAPD official says some residents didn't answer their doors when officers went door-to-door evacuating the neighborhood prior to the fireworks detonation. Some of those people were then injured in the ensuing explosion. https://t.co/CfrvR5N2vL pic.twitter.com/huZxIlS9tL
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) July 1, 2021
KTLA journalist Paul Sanches, who recorded the explosion, told the LA Times:
“It didn’t knock me to the ground, but it was almost like someone had thrown a football-style block.”
EXPLOSION! LAPD was disposing of illegal fireworks in South LA when the explosion occurred. At least 5 are injured. @KTLA @heli_CvP pic.twitter.com/99e9TzVtOr
— Ryder Christ (@RyderChristNews) July 1, 2021
At first, he completely lost his ability to hear, which made him extremely worried.
“My reporter was talking to me and it just sounded like he was one of the parents from the Peanuts cartoons, combined with a ringing in my ears.”
Thankfully, Sanchez has since recovered and his hearing is back to normal.
So while sitting in the living room yesterday evening and we heard a loud explosion, it literally shocked the entire house. I live 7 streets over from where this happened. https://t.co/pKPMsrQ1T3
— Godsintercessor (@dawnarlene39) July 1, 2021
A 27-year-old suspect has been taken by police on suspicion of reckless or malicious possession of a destructive device, with the possibility of extra charges of child endangerment due to his little brother staying at home with him, the chief said.
LA mayor Eric Garcetti made a social media post saying:
“I’ve directed the LAPD to conduct a full investigation into this incident, so we can better understand why this happened. Illegal fireworks pose a great danger and can cost lives. We will prosecute those who use or possess them to the fullest extent of the law.”
HERE'S YOUR INVESTIGATION ERIChttps://t.co/yFBpWXNihF
— Logan Rapp (@Loganchance) July 1, 2021
Chief Moore said the police will investigate further to see ‘what we can do to avoid this type of circumstance from ever happening again.’
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