An explosion during a joint training exercise at the FBI Special Agent Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Facility in Irvine resulted in injuries to sixteen members of the Orange County sheriff’s SWAT team on Wednesday, according to official statements.
The training, involving the sheriff’s SWAT team and the Hazardous Devices Section, also known as the bomb squad, was interrupted by an unexpected blast indoors. Details about what exactly triggered the explosion remain unclear.
Of the sixteen injured deputies, fifteen required ambulance transportation to local hospitals, while one individual managed to seek medical attention independently. The injuries were predominantly minor; however, one deputy did sustain a leg injury serious enough to necessitate surgical intervention. Two other deputies reported minor leg and back injuries respectively. Additional complaints from the scene involved dizziness and tinnitus-like symptoms.
Following the incident, which occurred at approximately 12:54 p.m., paramedics from the Orange County Fire Authority rapidly responded to the emergency at the intersection of Irvine Boulevard and Magazine Road, as reported by OCFA Capt. Sean Doran.
The Irvine facility is established for use by the FBI and various local law enforcement entities, conducting firearms training and qualification assessments, noted FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller.
The annual training exercise, which is designed to prepare and certify law enforcement officials in handling hazardous situations, was being conducted in one of the facility rooms when the device detonated, adding urgency to an otherwise controlled environment.
Source: San Bernardino County Sun