Deadly Blast Prompts Over $350,000 in Fines

California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued more than $350,000 in fines to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department following a fatal explosion in July 2023. The incident resulted in the deaths of three bomb squad detectives: Victor Lemus, Joshua Kelley-Eklund, and William Osborn.

Investigation Reveals 'Willful' Safety Violations

A state investigation uncovered a series of “willful” safety violations, including inadequate training and unattended explosives. Eight citations were issued as a result of the findings. The explosion occurred at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy.

Details of the Incident

Detectives Kelley-Eklund and Osborn had recovered two grenades from an apartment complex in Santa Monica on July 17th. The following day, at least one of the grenades detonated at the training facility. The location of the second grenade remains unknown.

Department Disputes Findings, Withholds Documents

The Sheriff’s Department has appealed Cal/OSHA’s findings. Furthermore, attorneys for the state claim the department is obstructing the workplace safety inquiry and refusing to release crucial documents. A sheriff’s spokesperson stated the department is cooperating with Cal/OSHA to the extent permitted by ongoing criminal investigations.

Document Requests Ignored

According to an affidavit from a Cal/OSHA investigator, of 19 document requests, the Sheriff’s Department provided only two. One document received was heavily redacted, revealing only two lines of text. Cal/OSHA filed a lawsuit on January 15th seeking a court order to compel the department to release the requested materials.

Legal Claims and Ongoing Investigations

Attorneys for the widow of Detective Lemus have filed a legal claim alleging insufficient training and failure to follow proper procedures. The claim states Kelley-Eklund and Osborn improperly handled the grenade, and Lemus did not anticipate a live device at the training center.

Multiple Investigations Underway

In addition to the Cal/OSHA investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the cause of the blast. The Sheriff’s Department is also conducting a homicide investigation into the deaths and a separate inquiry into the missing grenade. A third criminal investigation is examining the distribution of crime scene photos.

Previous Safety Violations

This is not the first time Cal/OSHA has penalized the Sheriff’s Department for safety violations. In 2024, the department received over $300,000 in fines related to a deadly fire at a mobile shooting range.

“This tragedy underscores the responsibility employers have to anticipate hazards and take meaningful steps to protect workers, especially in high-risk operations involving explosive materials,” said Cal/OSHA spokeswoman Denisse Gomez in a statement. Cal/OSHA’s goal is to prevent future workplace accidents and ensure the safety of all employees.