Two brothers were killed in an explosion and fire at a Bell Gardens apartment that remained under investigation by bomb squad members, family members said.
Bomb squad personnel were at the scene Thursday morning behind yellow tape blocking part of Purdy Avenue, south of East Gage Avenue. A memorial nearby included candles, flowers and photos of the two brothers who died in the blast at about 7 p.m. Tuesday at the two-story residence.
Authorities said a 13-year-old boy was missing and a body was recovered Wednesday inside the home. The medical examiner has not released that person’s identity, but NBCLA’s sister station Telemundo 52 spoke with family members who identified him as 13-year-old Carlos Hernandez.
He was a seventh-grade student at Suva Intermediate School.
Carlos’ 27-year-old half-brother also died in the blast and a third brother suffered burn injuries, the family said.
Sheriff’s department investigators said they plan to be at the scene for several days to collect evidence and piece together what led to the explosion. Authorities said materials to make homemade explosives and fireworks were found in the residence.
“During their initial investigation and processing of the scene, (investigators) observed materials consistent with homemade explosives and fireworks,” according to an LASD statement.
Four families were displaced and the building has been deemed uninhabitable.
Residents said the explosion rattled the neighborhood.
“It sounded like an earthquake to me,” said Charlie Sid. “I was in my room and I felt something bang on my window.”
Anyone with information about the explosion was urged to contact the sheriff’s Arson Explosives Detail at 323-881-7500. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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