A deadly explosion at the Biscailuz Training Center in East Los Angeles claims the lives of three veteran sheriff’s deputies. Authorities continue investigating the tragic incident.

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At approximately 7:30 a.m. on Friday, an explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Biscailuz Training Center in East Los Angeles resulted in the deaths of at least three deputies. The incident took place at the facility on Eastern Avenue, which hosts the sheriff’s special enforcement bureau and the bomb squad’s arson explosives unit.

Sheriff Robert Luna identified the victims as members of the arson explosives detail, each having served between 19 and 33 years with the department. “This is, unfortunately, the largest loss of life for us at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department since 1857,” Luna said during a press conference, visibly emotional as he spoke of reaching out to the deputies’ families.

Preliminary reports indicate the deputies were transporting unexploded ordnance recently recovered from a bomb callout when the blast occurred. The nature of such materials is unpredictable and hazardous, according to law enforcement sources. Despite initial reports, no additional injuries were confirmed.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad responded promptly to secure the scene, and federal agencies including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Authorities covered the blast area and assessed potential additional explosive threats throughout the day.

This morning, shortly after 7:30 a.m., a critical workplace incident that occurred in the 1000 block of North Eastern Avenue in East Los Angeles at the Biscailuz Training Facility.

Tragically, there were three Department member fatalities. Sheriff’s homicide detectives are on… pic.twitter.com/UYeYLTneSZ

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) July 18, 2025

Multiple witnesses reported hearing a massive explosion followed by glass shattering and screams near the parking area where the bomb squad vehicles were stationed. Emergency vehicles and a sheriff’s helicopter arrived quickly after the blast, as officials cordoned off the site.

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed her heartbreak over the tragedy and extended support to the sheriff’s department and the families affected. Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the situation, with the California Office of Emergency Services closely monitoring developments and offering state assistance.

Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva noted the arson explosives detail includes some of the department’s most experienced personnel and called the loss “staggering.” Department veterans emphasize the demanding nature of bomb disposal work, handling ordnance ranging from modern devices to relics dating back to World War I.

The Biscailuz Training Center, covering 36,000 square feet, was originally used for deputy training from 1946 until 1984 and was renovated and reopened in 2017. The Sheriff’s Department has experienced multiple fires at its mobile shooting ranges and other incidents related to training accidents, underscoring ongoing risks linked to law enforcement operations.

Residents near the blast site described being jolted by multiple explosions and expressed shock at the news of the deputies’ deaths. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence as the investigation into the cause of the deadly blast proceeds.

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