Two bodies and a white powder later found to contain fentanyl were found in a “man-dug cave” in Los Angeles, California, authorities said Sunday.
A Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) hazardous materials team was called to the Northridge neighborhood where two men were found dead at ABC7, believed to be a homeless encampment, around 10:30 a.m. report.
LAFD said the body was located “inside a man-made cave/excavation site.”
Aerial photos of the excavation site from CBS News Los Angeles show the opening and top of a temporary structure that appears to extend underground.
Investigation underway after two bodies found in man-made cave in Northridge (LA-USA) 0505024
Ollie Perez reported from Northridge, where two bodies were discovered Sunday in what firefighters called a “man-dug cave” near the railroad tracks. pic.twitter.com/1vVO9O8Wpj— John L. (@Maestro) May 6, 2024
A mysterious white powder was found at the scene, and responders wearing hazmat suits assisted in removing the body.
Authorities later determined the substance contained “some fentanyl,” LAFD Battalion Chief Scott Hilton said.
“We were able to mitigate it and secure it. We are going to dispose of it,” he added.
The two deaths are believed to be drug-related, but the cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
“The wind helped dissipate the dust and the hazardous materials analysis team detected no dangerous readings at the scene,” local media reported.
