IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – Sixteen individuals sustained injuries following an explosion at an FBI training facility in Orange County. The incident occurred at the Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Facility in Irvine, with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reporting the incident shortly before 1 p.m.
Authorities mentioned that the explosion took place during a joint training exercise involving the OCSD SWAT Team and a bomb squad. Out of the sixteen SWAT team members injured, fifteen were taken to a local hospital for treatment, while one person transported themselves.
Reports indicate that some of the injuries included non-life-threatening wounds to the legs and back, with one individual requiring surgery. Additionally, around 13 individuals experienced dizziness and ringing in the ears. The specific nature of the injuries is still under investigation, and there have been no reported fatalities at this time.
Details regarding the events leading up to the explosion remain unclear, with one building cordoned off and police tape surrounding the area. A robot was observed outside the building, and debris was visible near the entrance in footage captured by Sky5.
The FBI training facility is situated on the grounds of the former El Toro Marine Corps air base. An investigation into the incident will be conducted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in collaboration with the FBI.
The video player above provides footage of the scene, and updates will be provided as the story develops.