LOS ANGELES – Three members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson/Explosives Detail were tragically killed Friday morning following a deadly explosion at the Biscailuz Training Center in the City Terrace area of East Los Angeles.

The incident, believed to be accidental, occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the facility located in the 1000 block of North Eastern Avenue, which houses LASD’s bomb squad and special enforcement units.

According to multiple law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation, the blast may have originated from an explosive device that had been collected during a routine bomb squad callout and brought back to the facility.

The device was initially believed to be inert, but it unexpectedly detonated during handling.

At a late-morning news conference, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that three highly experienced members of the department’s Arson/Explosives Detail were killed.

Citing the need to notify next of kin, the sheriff did not release the names of the deceased but described them as “heroes” and “the best of the best,” collectively having served the department for a combined 74 years.

“This marks the single worst loss of life in one incident for our department since 1857,” Sheriff Luna said, visibly emotional.

No other injuries were reported, and the LAPD bomb squad responded to secure the scene and assist with the investigation.

However, as authorities worked to process the scene and notify families, a broadcast from ABC7’s Air7 helicopter drew criticism.

The aerial footage, captured before next of kin notifications were complete, reportedly showed the bodies of two deputies lying face down near a vehicle, and a third body approximately 30 feet away.

The images sparked outrage among many viewers, law enforcement personnel, and ethics advocates who called the decision to air the footage “deeply irresponsible” and “exploitative.”

“Broadcasting the bodies of fallen deputies before families were informed is not journalism — it is a violation of human dignity,” one law enforcement official stated anonymously. “This kind of coverage prioritizes ratings over respect.”

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the tragedy:

“I am closely tracking the situation as we learn more. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time.”

Supervisor Hilda Solis added:

“My heart goes out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the three individuals who lost their lives in what appears to have been a devastating explosion.”

Supervisor Janice Hahn called it “an extraordinarily painful day” and urged a full investigation into what went wrong:

“We must ensure such a tragedy never happens again.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed the LAPD bomb squad’s involvement and expressed condolences to the department and the families of the fallen deputies.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has also been briefed and stated that the Office of Emergency Services is in contact with LASD and actively monitoring the situation.

The FBI and ATF have responded to assist in the investigation, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a message on social media asking the public to keep the victims’ families in their prayers.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.