LAPD bomb squad likely caused destructive fireworks explosion, chief says

Human error by LAPD bomb technicians likely caused the homemade fireworks explosion that destroyed their truck, caused widespread damage to a residential neighborhood and left 17 people injured, the police chief said Monday.

The June 30 blast — which damaged dozens of homes, businesses and vehicles — has also resulted in five members of the department’s bomb squad being removed from field duties, according to Chief Michel Moore. Moore, citing the preliminary findings of an investigation into the explosion, said that bomb squad technicians overloaded a containment chamber above the safety rating.