A police bomb squad disposal vehicle exploded in South Los Angeles on Wednesday night, leaving 17 people injured, according to Complex.
Officers were reportedly in the process of handling about 5,000 pounds of seized illegal fireworks when the blast happened. “Some of the fireworks were being stored in our bomb squad trailer as a precautionary measure,” an LAPD representative said. “Unknown at this time what caused the explosion.”
The blast damaged nearby homes and cars. Police said a man named Arturo was arrested on suspicion of possessing a destructive device. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
“I’ve directed the LAPD to conduct a full investigation into this incident, so we can better understand why this happened,” 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 seized materials as “homemade devices” and said additional explosives found at the scene were too dangerous to move.
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