Massive Los Angeles Explosion Injured 27 People, Damages Scores of Properties
A Los Angeles neighborhood was rocked to its foundation (quite literally foundations) when the LA Bomb Squad was engaged to detonate illegally stored homemade fireworks. A just-released Inspector General’s report reveals that the squad members who detonated the fireworks did so improperly. More significantly, these officials were warned that they were not properly denotating these explosives before the blast occurred.
The June 30, 2021, explosion injured 27 people. Scores of homes, business, and motor vehicles were damaged. Dozens of people were displaced from their homes and businesses. Some of these people have not returned to the neighborhood. Fortunately, no one was killed in the LA Bomb Squad explosion.
Over 400 claims have been filed with the LA City Attorney’s Offices as a result of the blast. The filing of claims in this manner is a necessary precursor to engaging legal counsel and pursuing a lawsuit for losses in an incident such as this catastrophic explosion.
The LA Bomb Squad utilized what is known as a containment chamber to detonate the explosives. A containment chamber is a device that allows for explosives to be detonated in a controlled manner. Unfortunately, in this instance, the LA Bomb Squad overloaded the containment chamber.
A person who has only been identified thus far as “Bomb Technician C” is described as a highly experienced, senior detonation professional. The inspector general’s report reveals that Bomb Technician C explicitly told the squad multiple times that the detonation chamber was being overloaded. He made it clear that overloading the chamber would result in an unsafe detonation that could result in injuries and property damage – which is precisely what ended up occurring.
The person (or persons) in charge of the detonation ignored Bomb Technician C’s multiple warnings. Sadly, Bomb Technician C’s warnings proved 100% correct.
The inspection was undertaken through the Inspector General at the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The report was the result of months of investigating the circumstances surrounding the mishandling of the explosive detonation.
The bomb technicians who failed to listen to the warnings from the experienced technician have been removed from field duty or put on paid administrative leave. These individuals may face discipline by the city.
In addition, a detective who supervised the Bomb Squad members as the scene has been faulted for inadequate supervision in the Inspector General’s report has been put on paid leave as well. This individual may also face discipline. None of the names of the city officials who mishandled the detonation have been released to the media or public at this time.
The Los Angeles Police Department has yet to issue a statement in response to the highly critical Inspector General’s report. There is no indication at this time as to when any statement regarding the reckless conduct of the LA Bomb Squad might be forthcoming.
If you were injured or suffered property loss in the Los Angeles Bomb Squad explosion, the legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. You can connect with the Doan Law Firm Los Angeles explosion accident lawyer team by calling us at (424) 334-0000. Our LA explosion accident lawyer hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all major holidays.
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