Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore made an announcement on July 2, revealing that four members of the department’s bomb squad have faced disciplinary action for their involvement in a failed detonation of illegal fireworks in a South Los Angeles neighborhood two years ago.
Furthermore, an internal investigation conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department has led to the implementation of new protocols for the bomb squad to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
The incident took place on June 30, 2021, on East 27th Street near San Pedro Street. The controlled detonation resulted in the hospitalization of 17 residents and first responders, the destruction of a bomb squad truck, and damage to 22 residences, 13 businesses, and 37 vehicles.
According to a report from federal investigators following the explosion, the bomb squad erred in estimating the amount of explosives in a cache of homemade fireworks. They then placed these explosives inside a containment vessel for detonation.
Additionally, it was revealed through interviews with members of the bomb squad conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives that some squad members were unaware of the actual explosive capacity of the vessel they had been using since 2008.
In a statement on Saturday, Chief Moore said, “Immediate efforts were made to stabilize and repair 27th Street after the 2021 fireworks disposal explosion. Simultaneously, the Department conducted a comprehensive internal review, resulting in significant corrections.”
The statement continued, “The investigation thoroughly examined the actions of personnel on the scene that day and reviewed the practices and protocols of the Bomb Squad. As a result, four Bomb Squad personnel faced disciplinary action. Additionally, new protocols have been implemented to prevent future similar events and ensure the safety of community members and officers.”
Chief Moore added, “Although we cannot restore the neighborhood to its previous state, the Department is committed to supporting the affected residents as we work towards making things right.” This commitment includes regular meetings between the commanding officers of the Newton station and the 27th Street Long Term Recovery Group.
Following the explosion, an investigation revealed that the bomb squad had mistakenly loaded approximately 42 pounds of explosives into the vessel when they believed they were only loading 16.5 pounds.
As of 2022, the Department of Housing reported that 23 individuals from six households had been relocated to permanent housing. Eight additional households were prepared to relocate and were searching for affordable units. The city has allocated over $3 million to support and assist residents affected by the explosion.
LAPD bomb squad member suspended for 10 days after South L.A. blast
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