A bomb squad disposal vehicle exploded in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday night, leaving 17 people injured.
According to Complex, bomb squad officers were in the process of confiscating 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks when the explosion happened.
“Some of the fireworks were being stored in our bomb squad trailer as a precautionary measure,” a representative from the Los Angeles Police Department said. “Unknown at this time what caused the explosion.”
The explosion damaged nearby homes and cars.
Arturo Cejas was arrested on suspicion of possessing a destructive device.
The cause of the explosion is being investigated.
“I’ve directed the LAPD to conduct a full investigation into this incident, so we can better understand why this happened,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “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.”
LAPD Chief Michael Moore described the explosives as “homemade devices.” The Chief says that additional explosives were discovered at the scene but were too dangerous to relocate.
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