A large explosion that rocked a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) training center in Irvine, California on Wednesday during training resulted in at least 16 injuries, according to American media.
Just before 1:00 PM, an explosion reverberated across Irvine’s Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Facility, according to KTLA5, which cited the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD).
According to police, the explosion occurred when the OCSD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and a bomb squad were engaged in a combined training exercise.
16 SWAT Team members were hurt in the explosion; 15 of them needed to be sent to nearby hospitals by ambulance for treatment, and one was able to get help on their own.
The precise extent of each individual’s injuries is unknown, but according to KTLA5, several members had back and leg wounds that weren’t life-threatening, while one person needed surgery.
In addition, ringing in the ears and disorientation were reported by at least 13 individuals. But there haven’t been any recorded fatalities.
Authorities stated that during an annual joint training exercise, a canister detonated. Police tape was used to surround the little structure where the explosion happened, and it’s still unknown what exactly set it off.
“We do have two members of our SWAT Team who are cross-trained as paramedics and they were able to provide assistance immediately,” officials stated.
The OCSD will work with the FBI to investigate the incident at the FBI training center in Irvine, which is situated on the grounds of the former El Toro Marine Corps air base.
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