Los Angeles could spend another $20M on South L.A. fireworks debacle

Three years after the Los Angeles Police Department botched the disposal of illegal fireworks in South Los Angeles, shattering windows and disrupting an entire neighborhood, a settlement may finally be near.

The massive explosion, which injured 17 people, damaged 35 properties and displaced more than 80 people, has already cost the city of Los Angeles $9.5 million, with another $1.7 million allocated, as reported by KNX .

Now, another $20 million or so could be spent on a settlement with 90% of those affected.

“The awards are ranging between $100,000 to over $2 million for various plaintiffs,” KNX added.

City Controller Kenneth Mejia, who calculated the $9.5 million figure, noted that “many Angelenos let our office know that they’re very interested in the costs that taxpayers will end up footing for the fallout from LAPD’s fireworks detonation.”

“As the city’s response is still ongoing, these costs are still ongoing as well,” he told the Los Angeles Times . “We’re committed to doing our part in keeping the city accountable and transparent in regards to the explosion and its aftermath.”

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