Los Angeles Bomb Disposal Truck Destroyed After 2,000kgs Of Illegal Fireworks Explode

At least 17 people have been hurt and several cars were damaged after an explosion took place during a planned detonation of a load of illegal fireworks in Los Angeles yesterday (30 June). You can check the video out below:

The explosive load went off while police were attempting to safely detonate the fireworks, but we can't be quite sure yet why exactly they detonated in the way that they did.

The whole thing was captured on camera from a helicopter, and shows the absolute devastation that the explosion brought.

It shattered nearby windows, destroyed nearby cars, and completely totalled the bomb squad vehicle.

Basically, it went badly wrong.

The LA Urban Search and Rescue force was brought in afterwards to check on the structural integrity and safety of one of the buildings nearest to the blast site afterwards.

The results of that check are not yet known.

Local reports suggest that the police discovered a haul of about 5,000lbs - which is about 2,267 kilograms - of illegal fireworks at a South Los Angeles home earlier that same day.

They are believed to have arrested a 27-year-old man - later identified as Arturo Cejas - in connection with the find.

LAPD

Cejas has been charged with possession of destructive devices, and is expected to face charges of child endangerment as his 10-year-old brother was living in the house at the time.

Of the 17 people that were hurt, 16 were taken to hospital, with one declining to be transported.

The people hurt included nine Los Angeles Police Department officers, six civilians, one ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) agent, and the person who refused to go to hospital.

Three of the civilians are being treated for 'moderate injuries' according to the LA Fire Department, with everyone else suffering minor injuries.

Nine families are also believed to have been displaced from their homes by the blast.

LAPD

In a press conference, LAPD chief Michel Moore said that the explosion was a planned detonation, but added: "Something happened that should not have happened."

LAPD said that they attended the house and made the discovery thanks to a tip-off from a member of the community.

Law enforcement officers in the USA are currently cracking down on the sale and distribution of illegal fireworks ahead of the approaching July 4 celebrations.

Topics: Police, US News, crime, Los Angeles, Weird

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim