Illegal Fireworks Exploded In A LA Bomb Squad Truck
Wednesday evening Los Angeles got an early fireworks “show”. A stockpile of illegal fireworks that were in the process of being seized from a south LA home detonated. LA bomb squad officers discovered more than 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks at the home. The blast happened following attempts by the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad to destroy the explosives. A portion of those illegal fireworks that exploded were being stored, as a safety provision, in an armored trailer when the truck exploded. The department’s armored truck was destroyed in the blast and 17 people were injured. As a precaution, nearby homes were evacuated, some were, unfortunately, damaged. The 17 individuals injured in the explosion include police officers and other first responders. Luckily none of the injuries are thought to be life-threatening.
During a news conference, LAPD Cheif Michael Moore described the situation as a “catastrophic failure” of the truck. It was designed and believed to be able to handle more than what was inside.
“Clearly, protocols were followed and pursued. But something happened in that containment vessel that should not have happened and we don’t know why,” Moore said, according to news radio station KNX1070. “But we intend to find out.”
#BreakingNews LAPD Bomb techs trying to safety dispose of several Improvised Fireworks inside the Dept Total Containment Vessel miscalculated and resulting blast destroyed containment sphere and blew out windows for blocks. At least 3 people transported. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/AEOUw60fwH
— Pete Demetriou (@knxpete) July 1, 2021
Los Angeles law prevents selling or owning fireworks. A tip led to police searching the home. According to that tip, the resident of the home, Arturo Cejas, had boxes of the explosives at his house. The 27-year-old was arrested on “suspicion of possessing a destructive device” per the Associated Press. There is also a chance he will face child endangerment charges due to a minor, his younger brother, being in the home.
If you plan on setting off fireworks for the upcoming holiday weekend be careful. NC regulated fireworks more than neighboring South Carolina. North Carolina allows some fireworks, including non-aerial and non-explosive sparklers, fountains, and snake and glow worms. Consumer fireworks including explosives or aerial fireworks, roman candles, and rockets are prohibited for personal use.
