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At least three people have died in an explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's training facility on Friday morning (Saturday morning AEST), according to US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
"I just spoke to (US Attorney Bill Essayli) about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles," Bondi said in a post on X.
"Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more. Please pray for the families of the sheriff's deputies killed."
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Los Angeles County Fire Department said it responded to calls about a possible explosion around 7.20am (12.20am Saturday AEST).
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has not confirmed any deaths.
Bondi said her information about the deaths came from US Attorney Bill Essayli's office. His office didn't immediately respond for comment.
The explosion happened at the LASD's Biscailuz Training Centre, which houses the sheriff's department's special enforcement units and bomb squad, a senior law enforcement source familiar with the incident told CNN. The facility is located just under 10 kilometres east of downtown LA.
https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1946234954620313884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The incident is believed to have been an accident, but remains under investigation.
It's unclear whether the incident was related to a training session or whether officers were handling evidence, the source said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said he's been briefed on the matter, which occurred at the LA County Sheriff's Special Operations Bureau in East Los Angeles.
Aerial footage from KABC-TV shows the explosion happened in a parking lot filled with sheriff patrol cars and box trucks.
The FBI is responding to assist with the incident, according to the FBI's Los Angeles field office. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also on scene, according to Bondi.
Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigators and members of the Los Angeles Police Department's bomb squad are assisting at the training facility, LA Mayor Karen Bass said in a post on X.
The work of the bomb squad is complicated by the fact officers have to ensure no other explosive material that could be stored there is vulnerable to detonation, the senior law enforcement source told CNN.
"I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded today at an L.A. County Sheriff's Department facility," Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said in a statement.
"I am closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff's Department during this difficult time. We stand with them and their families as they navigate the hours and days ahead," Barger said.
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