16 injured as massive explosion rocks FBI training facility

WASHINGTON: At least 16 people were injured late on Wednesday after a massive explosion shook a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) training facility in Irvine, California during training, American media reported. The explosion echoed across the Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Facility in Irvine shortly before 1 pm, KTLA5 reported quoting the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD). The explosion happened as the OCSD Special Weap ons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was busy in a joint training exercise with a bomb squad, authorities said. As a result of the blast, 16 members of the SWAT Team were injured, 15 of whom were transported by ambu lances to local hospitals for treatment while one person was able to self-transport. While the exact nature of everyone’s injuries is unknown, KTLA5 reported that some members suffered non-life-threatening wounds to the legs and back, with one person requiring sur gery. Additionally, at least 13 people were experiencing dizziness and ringing in the ears. However, no deaths have been reported. Authorities reported that a canister exploded dur ing an annual joint training exercise. The small build ing where the explosion occurred was cordoned off by police tape and the exact trigger remains unclear. “We do have two mem bers of our SWAT Team who are cross-trained as para medics and they were able to provide assistance imme diately,” authorities said. — Agencies