BELL GARDENS, Calif. () — A body was found inside a Bell Gardens apartment building after a massive explosion tore through the structure and left two others hospitalized, authorities said.
The covered body was removed from inside the apartment in the 6500 block of Purdy Avenue on Wednesday morning, more than 12 hours after the destructive blast. Los Angeles County medical examiner’s personnel placed the deceased inside a van and the body was removed from the scene.
The individual’s identity was not immediately released.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. at the two-story building, igniting a fire that was later knocked down by 60 Los Angeles County firefighters.
A bystander’s video of the fire showed flames shooting into the sky. AIR7 footage showed shattered windows, a blown-off roof and a large hole on the side of the building in the aftermath of the blaze.
“Upon arrival, officers discovered two male victims suffering from injuries caused by the explosion and fire,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. “Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital. One victim was medically treated and released, while the second victim is listed in critical condition.”
According to a neighbor, the injured were a 10-year-old boy and a man either 20 or 21 years of age. A witness, Jose Mendez, said the adult’s injuries were severe.
“He was all burned up… His skin was peeled off basically,” Mendez said.
Two people who spoke to 7 on Tuesday said another child was possibly missing, but as of late Tuesday night the L.A. County Fire Department was unable to confirm if a child was unaccounted for.
Detectives from the sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau – Arson and Explosives Detail also responded to the scene.
“During their initial investigation and processing of the scene, they observed materials consistent with homemade explosives and fireworks,” the Sheriff’s Department said.
Four families were displaced by the explosion.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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