An explosion at a police training facility in Southern California has killed three deputies, officials confirmed on Friday, July 18. The incident took place at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training in East Los Angeles shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department described the explosion as a critical workplace incident and said that homicide detectives are now investigating the scene. The facility is used by the department’s special enforcement units and bomb squad.
Local reports suggest that the victims were handling some form of explosives when the blast occurred. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the explosion, and investigations are ongoing.
🚨#BREAKING | Blast in Los Angeles:
— Nikhil Reports (@NikhilReports) July 18, 2025
3 people killed after an explosion at the LA County Sheriff's training facility in East LA. FBI on scene.
This same site faced safety concerns before.
How many more lives before accountability? #LosAngeles pic.twitter.com/tNaBmPQGTW
Federal and state officials have responded to the incident. The US Attorney General confirmed the fatalities and said that federal agents are present at the site to gather more information. California’s Governor was also briefed, and the state’s emergency services are working closely with local authorities.
City officials, including the mayor of Los Angeles, expressed support for the sheriff’s department. Multiple agencies, including the fire department, bomb squad, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the response.
The explosion has been described as the deadliest law enforcement-related blast in Southern California in nearly four decades. Further updates are expected as investigators continue their work at the site.
