Los Angeles, CA (July 18, 2025) — A devastating explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department training facility in Whittier has claimed the lives of at least three sheriff's deputies and injured several others, according to officials. The incident occurred early Friday morning during a routine explosives training session.
The blast was reported at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time at the Biscailuz Center, the county’s primary training campus for law enforcement officers. Emergency crews from Los Angeles County Fire Department and multiple law enforcement agencies responded swiftly to the scene, establishing a secure perimeter and evacuating nearby buildings as a precaution.
Authorities confirmed that three deputies were killed instantly in the explosion. At least five others sustained injuries, some of whom remain in critical condition at local hospitals. No civilians were reported among the casualties.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the explosion is under active investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Preliminary reports suggest the explosion occurred during a live-fire training exercise involving explosives-handling procedures, but officials have not released further details pending a full investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the families and colleagues of those lost in this tragic incident,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in a brief statement. “We are committed to a thorough investigation and to supporting our injured deputies and their loved ones.”
Community Impact and Response
The Biscailuz Center has been closed indefinitely while investigators process the scene. Local officials have urged residents to avoid the area to allow emergency and investigative teams unimpeded access.
Flags at all county facilities have been lowered to half-staff in honor of the fallen deputies. Support services, including counseling, have been made available for department personnel and affected families.
- The explosion is the deadliest incident involving Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies in over a decade.
- The Sheriff's Department has launched a critical incident review to assess training protocols.
- ATF and FBI specialists are assisting with forensic analysis at the site.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The names of the deceased deputies are being withheld pending notification of their families.
