How many people were injured in the Los Angeles fireworks explosion?
A BOTCHED detonation of illegal fireworks carried out by a bomb squad left multiple people injured in a South Los Angeles neighborhood on June 30. Several cars and houses were also damaged during the botch detonation as cops attempted to destroy almost two tons of pyrotechnics. The explosion was captured on video, rocking a south Los Angeles neighborhood at 7:30pm on June 30. At least 17 people were injured in the blast, including nine police officers. A member of the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Explosives and a firefighter were injured. A total of 16 people - 11 men and six women aged between 42 and 85 - were taken to the hospital, according to reports. 4 Nine LAPD officers were injured in the blast Credit: Twitter/JessicaOhTv  One was treated at the scene but reportedly refused to go to hospital. None of the injuries were life threatening, according to NBC Los Angeles. A 27-year-old man was arrested, accused of importing fireworks from outside the state with plans to resell them ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. The suspect was identified as Arturo Cejas III and has been charged with suspicion of possessing fireworks and destructive devices, as well as suspicion of child endangerment  because two children were found at the home, police said, according to KABC-TV. Cops had reportedly discovered a 5,000-pound stash of pyro at around 8:40am that morning, according to reports. 4 Cops attempted to destroy almost two tons of pyrotechnics Credit: AP  Three box trucks and a 53-foot trailer were brought in to load up and destroy the fireworks, The LA Times reported. But, improvised explosives that were too dangerous to move were also found. Around 40 of the devices were the size of coke cans as officers conducted X-rays, investigating their contents. The blast destroyed the container and damaged several parked vehicles in the Historic South-Central neighborhood. LAPD Chief Michel Moore said: You saw the resulting damage and the total catastrophic failure of that containment vehicle.  "Clearly protocols were followed and pursued, but something happened in that containment vehicle that should have not happened and we dont know why," he added. "We intend to find out why." Residents compared the blast to a bomb explosion as windows shattered. 4 Residents in the area compared the blast to a bomb explosion as nearby windows shattered Credit: Reuters  Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he directed the LAPD to conduct a full investigation into the incident. "Illegal fireworks pose a great danger and can cost lives," he said in a statement. "We will prosecute those who use or possess them to the fullest extent of the law."