At least sixteen people were injured after an explosion at an FBI training center, authorities said.
The incident occurred at the Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Center in Irvine shortly before 1 p.m., according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD).
The department’s SWAT team was conducting a joint exercise with a bomb squad when the explosion occurred, authorities said.
Sixteen members of the SWAT team were injured by the explosion. Ambulances transported fifteen people to a hospital for treatment. The other injured person went to the hospital on their own.
Robot seen outside a building after 16 people were injured in an explosion at an FBI training center in Irvine…- The site of the explosion at an FBI training center in Irvine, California, on March 13, 2024. (KTLA)
Robot seen outside a building after 16 people were injured in an explosion at an FBI training center in Irvine…
The site of the explosion at an FBI training center in Irvine, California, on March 13, 2024. (KTLA)
Some of the reported injuries include non-life-threatening wounds to the legs and back, and one person required surgery. At least 13 people experienced dizziness and ringing in the ears.
The exact nature of everyone’s injuries is still not known, but no deaths have been reported.
The events leading up to the explosion remain unclear, including the type of device involved in the ignition. At least one building was seen cordoned off with police tape, though it has not been confirmed whether the explosion occurred inside that facility.
Helicopter footage captured a robot positioned outside that building while some debris was seen scattered near the entrance.
The FBI’s training facilities in Irvine are located on the grounds of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.
Image: Wfla
