A tragic incident occurred near Palmdale on Friday when a Los Angeles County firefighter lost their life due to an explosion involving a burning front loader in Littlerock.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that the explosion occurred around 2 pm in the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway. Details regarding the cause of the blast were not immediately provided.
Video footage from the scene depicted a large truck engulfed in flames.
During a Friday afternoon press conference, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said one other firefighter was taken to a local hospital in an abundance of caution and was likely to be released shortly after admission.
The circumstances surrounding the explosion remain under investigation.
``I don't know how the fire started and I don't know what exploded,''
Marrone said, noting that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
Chief Marrone said the department will be withholding the deceased firefighter's identity to ensure everyone close to the man has been informed, but shared he was a 19-year veteran of the department working out of the Palmdale station. He was a father and a husband.
His body remained at the scene as of early evening, covered with an American flag.
At the site, a tractor-type vehicle continued to emit black smoke from its engine area, situated within what appeared to be a quarry.
City News Service contributed to this article.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok