Apartment Explosion Kills 1, Injures Child: Homemade Explosives Suspected

BELL GARDENS, CA — One person died and two others were injured in an explosion at a Bell Gardens apartment building Tuesday night, which authorities say appeared to be caused by homemade explosives and fireworks.

Firefighters responded to the 6500 block of Purdy Avenue, south of East Gage Avenue, just after 6 p.m. Tuesday to find heavy flames at the two-story building following the explosion, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

It took about 60 firefighters to extinguish the blaze in about an hour.

A boy and a man were transported to a local hospital. The child was treated and released. The man remained in critical condition on Wednesday, according to fire officials.

Another person was found dead following the blast.

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Enforcement Bureau–Arson and Explosives Detail responded to the scene.

“During their initial investigation and processing of the scene, they observed materials consistent with homemade explosives and fireworks,” deputies said in a statement.

Authorities said they believe the explosion was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.

The building, which was badly damaged in the explosion, has been red tagged. Four to six families were displaced and the American Red Cross is assisting them, NBC Los Angeles reported.

City News Service contributed to this report.