Celebrations for the 4th of July would not be complete without fireworks. Several cities are famous for creating a spectacular display to celebrate Independence Day. However, one should always be careful with these devices, as shown by a case that occurred in Los Angeles, California, which will force the authorities to provide a multimillion-dollar compensation.
Three years ago, in a Los Angeles neighborhood, police made a mistake during a fireworks display, leaving 17 people injured and dozens more fleeing.
Following complaints from several residents, according to AP, authorities will now be required to pay more than US$21,000,000 to resolve the case, a measure that was unanimously approved by the city council, although it must now be authorized by Mayor Karen Bass.
If approved, the 17 injured plaintiffs will receive compensation ranging from $100,000 to $2.8 million, according to information published by the Los Angeles Times.
In this regard, the councilman representing the South Los Angeles district where the explosion occurred, Curren Price, said: “The victims of the 27th Street fireworks explosion have suffered unimaginable pain and trauma that will last a lifetime. Reaching these financial agreements is a crucial step towards their healing, rebuilding their lives, and finding stability and peace.”
Police caused an explosion that left 17 people injured.
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What happened in Los Angeles that will force large compensation payments?
On June 30, 2021, police found more than 30,000 pounds of illegal commercial and homemade fireworks, as well as other explosive materials, at a home on East 27th Street. One man was arrested and sentenced to five months in federal prison for the incident.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad was in charge of the situation and stored around 18 kilos of homemade fireworks, specifically the most dangerous ones, in an armored container.
The decision was made to detonate more bombs in the same place, as they were considered too unstable to be moved. But several exploded without caution and the debris fell on dozens of houses, businesses and vehicles. The result was 10 officers and seven residents injured. In addition, damage was caused to 22 houses, 13 businesses and 37 cars and trucks.
After several investigations, federal agents concluded that the squad’s technicians did not calculate the exact weight of the explosives, but made decisions based on their own judgment. In addition, they ignored the warnings of a member who told them that the explosive material should be divided into smaller loads.
Authorities estimated the cost of the damage to be more than $1 million. In fact, the city has reported that it has had to invest millions in repairs, housing and aid for the neighborhood’s residents.
2024-07-04 20:14:20
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