Los Angeles County firefighter killed in possible explosion in Littlerock – Daily News

LITTLEROCK – A Los Angeles County firefighter was killed today when part of a burning front-end loader exploded at a Littlerock quarry.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department did not immediately release details of the explosion, which occurred in the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway. Video from the scene showed what appeared to be a large front-end loader with flames still visible inside. One of its tires later caught fire, but firefighters kept their distance from the vehicle, which was in a remote field and posed no threat of flames spreading to other vehicles.

On a large pile of earth nearby, there was what looked like a corpse wrapped in a flag.

Reports from the scene of the accident indicated that emergency services were initially called to the quarry following a report of a vehicle fire.

KCAL9 reported from the scene that an ambulance was believed to have taken at least one other person to a hospital, but additional injuries were not immediately confirmed. A videographer at the scene reported that a second firefighter was also killed, but that report remained unconfirmed Friday afternoon.

County fire officials said a press conference was planned for late Friday afternoon outside Antelope Valley Medical Center.