Firefighters in Los Angeles discovered two bodies and a white powder substance, later identified as fentanyl, inside an excavation on Sunday morning. The victims are believed to be adult males with no signs of foul play.
Two bodies were discovered inside an excavation in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday morning, alongside a white powder substance that was later identified as fentanyl.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, firefighters were called to a residence on the 8700 block of N. Lindley Avenue at approximately 10:38 a.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, they discovered the two victims inside an encampment described as a "human-dug cave."
The substance was later confirmed to include fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that is deadly in small doses. Hazardous Materials teams and Urban Search and Rescue specialists responded to the scene to help recover the two bodies and secure the area.
"Upon further discovery, we found a powder which, with the assurance of our hazardous material squad, we determined to have portions of fentanyl and were able to mitigate that and secure it, and we disposed of that," Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Hilton told NBC 4.
The victims were identified as two adult males with no signs of foul play. The cause of their death remains under investigation.
Hazmat teams investigated the area and took precautions to ensure that there were no further hazards present. The scene was eventually cleared and deemed safe.
This incident raises concerns about the ongoing fentanyl crisis in Los Angeles. The synthetic opioid has led to a surge in overdose deaths in recent years, and it is often present in other illicit substances such as heroin and cocaine.
Public health officials have emphasized the importance of seeking help if you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information and resources for treatment and recovery.
The discovery of the bodies and fentanyl in Los Angeles highlights the dangers of fentanyl and the need to address the opioid crisis. Continued efforts are necessary to raise awareness, provide access to treatment, and save lives from this deadly substance.
