IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – A training exercise involving the Orange County Sheriff Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team took a dangerous turn, leaving 16 team members injured after an indoor explosion. The incident occurred during a session with the Sheriff’s Hazardous Devices Section at the FBI Special Agent Jerry Crowe Regional Tactical Training Facility in Irvine.
According to a statement released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), 15 SWAT team members were transferred to local hospitals via ambulance, while one member drove himself to the hospital. The injuries sustained varied, with the most severe requiring surgery for a leg wound. Other team members suffered superficial injuries to their back and leg.
Sgt. Frank Gonzalez disclosed that the explosion happened shortly before 1 p.m. local time during a training exercise with the sheriff’s bomb squad. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.
The majority of the injured team members have been discharged from the hospital, with one member still undergoing medical treatment following surgery. The FBI, whose facility hosted the training exercise, stated that none of its agents were harmed during the incident and is collaborating with the OCSD in the ongoing investigation.
The injuries sustained by the SWAT team members included symptoms like dizziness and ringing in their ears, as noted in the statement from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Despite the setback, the team is recovering from the incident and working towards understanding how the explosion occurred during what should have been routine training.
As the investigation continues, both the OCSD and the FBI are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement personnel face daily, even during training exercises meant to enhance their preparedness for various scenarios.
For further updates and developments on this story, stay informed by following reliable news sources for the latest information on the investigation and the recovery of the injured SWAT team members.