An explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility in East L.A. has left three veteran deputies dead, according to department authorities.
L.A. County Fire officials said they responded to calls reporting the incident about 7:30 a.m. Friday at the Biscailuz Training Center on North Eastern Avenue.
The deputies who were killed were part of the department’s arson explosives detail.
“This is unfortunately the largest loss of life for us as the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department since 1857,” Sheriff Robert Luna said at a news conference. He was the only speaker but was joined by other officials, including members of the county Board of Supervisors and representatives of the Los Angeles Police Department, county Fire Department and California Highway Patrol.
There were no other injuries.
A screengrab from KCAL-TV shows the scene at a Sheriff’s Department facility in East L.A. on Friday morning.
Luna added that the three deputies, whom he called “heroic,” had been with the department for 19 years, 22 years and 33 years.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation, with assistance from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Luna said. He said investigators do not believe there is any threat to the community. The LAPD Bomb Squad rendered the scene safe shortly before the sheriff started speaking at 11:45 a.m.
“This is an isolated incident,” he said.
Aerial footage from KCAL News appeared to show that the explosion happened in a parking lot with large box trucks and patrol SUVs.
Luna’s voice cracked with emotion when he explained that he had been in contact with the families of some of the people who were killed and that additional notifications would be made later in the day.
The names of the deputies were not released. They were members of Special Enforcement Bureau, an elite unit within the department.
“They’re the best of the best,” Luna said. “The individuals who work our arson explosive detail, they have years of training. … These aren’t people who don’t do this very often. They are fantastic experts, and I lost three of them today.”
Referring to the explosion, the sheriff said a lot of information remained unknown about what happened. But, he said, the investigators’ “intent is to look at this from the very beginning and figure out what it is exactly that caused this tragic event.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell issued a statement Friday afternoon, saying that in addition to the Bomb Squad, other city units, including SWAT and K-9 teams, were helping the Sheriff’s Department by responding to calls for service.
“On behalf of the entire Los Angeles Police Department, I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen deputies,” McDonnell said in a statement.
“We stand in solidarity with our Sheriff’s Department colleagues during this incredibly difficult time and we remain ready to assist in any way we can.”
Local elected officials also expressed condolences and concern.
“My heart goes out to the families, friends and colleagues of the three individuals who lost their lives in what appears to have been a devastating explosion,” county Supervisor Hilda Solis, whose district includes East L.A., said in a statement.
“My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “We stand with them and their families as they navigate the hours and days ahead.”
“On behalf of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of these fallen deputies and to the entire LASD family,” said District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “We grieve alongside you. Their service, sacrifice and commitment to justice will never be forgotten.”
Flags at county buildings were lowered to half staff.
Late Friday, a law enforcement procession took the bodies from the training center to the county Medical Examiner’s Office.
