The explosion occurred around 07.30 local time. What caused the accident is currently unclear, but according to anonymous sources to AP, the incident is being investigated as a potential training accident. According to sources to several American media, the explosion occurred in connection with the police moving explosives in the area.
The police were part of a bomb squad that is based at the facility. In a statement, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna says that they had long experience of handling explosives.
"This is, unfortunately, the largest loss of life for us at the LA County Sheriff's Office since 1857", said Luna.
US Secretary for Homeland Security Kristi Noem writes on social media that her department is working together with both federal and state authorities to investigate the incident.
