Los Angeles police dramatically underestimated the weight of the fireworks before detonating an explosion that injured 17 people

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Los Angeles police attempted to safely detonate a stockpile of illegal fireworks last month, dramatically reducing the weight of the devices before they could explode, injuring 17 people in a south Los Angeles neighborhood.

The miscalculation, which was revealed at a news conference Monday, is the first major revelation from an intense investigation into the cause of the explosion that destroyed an entire apartment block after police discovered more than 32,000 pounds of illegal fireworks at a home on 27th Street.

Some of the explosives, including 280 M-80s and 40 soda cans, were deemed too dangerous to transport and were placed in an armored truck for orderly detonation. Police estimated the weight at 16.5 pounds, but federal investigators later determined the weight was closer to 42 pounds, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Michael Moore.

Moore said the miscalculation could have resulted from explosives squad officers, who followed safety protocols to limit handling of explosive devices, not being able to use a scale to weigh them. He said the estimates were made through physical inspection.

“For unknown and improvised explosive devices — including this type of firework — it is recommended that handling of these items be reduced as much as possible,” Moore said.

“If I make mistakes with respect to established protocols, I will hold the appropriate individuals to account,” he said. “This department will learn from others.”

The revelations could increase scrutiny of how the LAPD handled the incident and whether they could do more to protect residents and get the explosives out of the densely populated area before they detonated.

Moore said the supervisor and explosives technicians involved in the incident have been removed from the field and that the investigation, which includes the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, is continuing. The FBI also agreed to conduct its own review of LAPD systems and protocols to ensure department compliance.

In response to the findings, Los Angeles City Council member Corinne Price Jr. called the incident “one of the biggest LAPD mistakes in recent history.”

“Actions by the Los Angeles Police Department on June 30 fell short of law enforcement’s duty to protect and serve, and this negligence carries grave consequences not only for the victims, but for our community and the city as a whole,” Price said.

“While we await the final report, I hope that the Los Angeles Police Department will take action now to address its shortcomings and make plans to step up and support the traumatized victims of destruction who will suffer the effects of the coming years.”

Moore said the blast sent 10 Los Angeles police officers, an ATF officer and six civilians to hospital. He pointed to the destruction of 13 companies, 22 residential properties and 37 cars.

“I want to personally express my apologies to every resident, commercial operator and customer who has been greatly affected by this incident,” Moore said at the press conference. “I am so sorry this happened.”

Federal officials discovered fireworks under a brown tarp in the home’s backyard. More than 140 homemade “M devices” were also discovered, as well as a hobby fuse and other materials for making explosives.

The homeowner, Arturo Sega III, 27, was arrested on July 3 and charged with illegally transporting tons of explosives. Prosecutors allege that the devices were purchased from a dealer in Pahrump, Nev.

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