Explosion at FBI Training Facility in Irvine, California
Sixteen people were injured during an explosion at an FBI training facility in the Southern California city of Irvine Wednesday, officials said.
Orange County Sheriff's Department deputies were using the facility on Magazine Road when the incident occurred a little before 1 p.m., a department spokesperson told CBS Los Angeles.
Thirteen of the injuries were related to the noise of the blast, resulting in the victims suffering from dizziness and ear pain, the sheriff's department said.
Two of the injuries were to victim's legs, one of whom required surgery. Another person suffered a back injury but will not require surgery, the sheriff's spokesperson said.
"It's not a good feeling anytime an injury happens to anybody, including members of our own staff," said OCSD Sergeant Frank Gonzalez. "The most severe injury that was sustained was one of our SWAT team members had a leg injury that is gonna require surgery."
Fifteen of the victims were taken to nearby hospitals by Orange County Fire Authority paramedics, while one person self-transported, the sheriff's department said.
The joint training exercise between the OCSD's Bomb Squad and SWAT teams took a dangerous turn when an explosion occurred inside a small building on the FBI property. According to the sheriff's spokesperson, the device that caused the explosion was part of the training, but the specific activity being conducted at the time remains unknown.
All units involved in the exercise were equipped with tactical gear, and medical crews were promptly on the scene as part of the training protocol to ensure the safety of the participants.
OCSD spokesperson Gonzalez emphasized the immediate activation of medical plans to attend to any injuries, highlighting the priority of member safety during such training sessions.
The FBI has taken charge of the investigation into the incident, issuing a statement acknowledging the injuries sustained and confirming that the matter is under thorough examination.
As investigators combed through the scene, aerial footage captured by SkyCal showed individuals in protective gear inspecting a bunker and utilizing robotic equipment.
This is a developing story. Check back for details.
