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Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore shed light on Monday on the catastrophic explosion that occurred last month after a treasure of fireworks was placed in a containment vessel and was exploded in a neighborhood in southern Los Angeles. Moore said the bomb squad technicians probably miscalculated the weight of the explosives.
Moore explained that bomb technicians believed 16.5 pounds of explosives and counter charges were placed in what’s called a full containment container. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (NRT) National Response Team investigating the incident, found the total weight to be likely just over 42 pounds.
“We have miscalculations which are significant,” Moore said at a press conference. He also apologized to residents who were affected by the blast, according to CBS Los Angeles.
“I would like to personally apologize to every resident, business operator and customer who has been traumatized by this incident,” said Moore.
At least 17 people were injured and 13 businesses, 22 residential properties and 37 vehicles were damaged or destroyed in the June 30 explosion.
The explosives were part of a cache of around 32,000 pounds of illegal fireworks found in a nearby house. Arturo Ceja III was arrested at the scene and faces federal charges of illegally transporting explosives without a permit. He is believed to have obtained the majority of the fireworks from a dealer in Pahrump, Nevada.
The 27-year-old is expected to be arraigned on August 2.
CBS Los Angeles reports that many people displaced by the blast were unable to return home, with one victim telling the station that she and her family were forced to sleep in a shoe store they owned. Several families have filed complaints against the city of Los Angeles.
The 27th Street Incident Community Resource Center was launched to help those affected by the blast. The center offers support services to help families file claims. Services also include the provision of food and clothing from a local nonprofit as well as mental health and wellness referrals.
A federal report on the incident is expected to be finalized within 30 days.
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