Latest news with #Fl
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Deputy, dad of 4, died after explosion at CA shooting range. Now, family sues
A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy was training inside his department's mobile shooting range when a fire ignited by a sudden explosion severely burned his body and ultimately killed him, a wrongful death lawsuit filed in California says. Alfredo 'Freddy' Flores, who served 22 years with the sheriff's department, fought for his life for more than six months, then died of his burns on April 20, 2024, according to a statement from his family, including his wife and four children. The explosion 'should not have happened,' and Flores 'did not want to die,' Flores' family said at a May 19 news conference. 'Freddy was taken from all of our lives far too soon,' they said. 'We miss his love, his attention, his protection, and his sense of humor.' The family has brought the lawsuit against Los Angeles County, its sheriff's department and the firing range's manufacturer, InVeris Training Solutions, over Flores' death. According to the complaint filed in Los Angles Superior Court on May 19, Flores was using the mobile shooting range trailer for a firearms training recertification, how it was supposed to be used, on Oct. 10, 2023. But the structure, located at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic, was 'defective and unreasonably dangerous,' the family's attorneys wrote in the filing. Gunpowder, lead, propellant and other flammable materials were left to accumulate on surfaces inside the firing range, per the lawsuit. This is a 'known and foreseeable catalyst of sudden and fast-spreading fires at mobile shooting ranges,' according to the complaint. The sheriff's department knew, or should've known, of the hazards, the complaint says. The agency put Flores in an obviously dangerous situation, in violation of his constitutional rights, according to the filing, and failed to ensure the shooting range was safe. In a statement shared with McClatchy News, the department said on May 20 that it hasn't received the lawsuit yet, 'but stands firm on creating an environment focused on safety and well-being for all employees.' 'Our Department is deeply saddened by this tragic incident, which took the life of a dedicated and respected member of our Department family, someone who faithfully served our community with pride and commitment,' the agency said of Flores. As an investigation into the fire continues, other mobile shooting ranges in Los Angeles County are closed, according to the sheriff's department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' National Response Team and the Sheriff's Arson Explosives Detail, which are both investigating, considers the fire to be 'accidental,' based on preliminary findings, the department said. Georgia-based InVeris, which is accused of negligence and product liability, didn't immediately return McClatchy News' request for comment May 20. Safety violations, citations and fines The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health found a slew of safety issues at the mobile shooting range in connection with Flores' death, as reported by the Los Angeles Times in 2024. As a result, CAL/OSHA cited the department over these violations, fining the agency more than $300,000, including for not cleaning flammable materials like gunpowder inside the structure, according to the newspaper. 'The sheriff's department failed to comply with multiple orders from Cal/OSHA,' one of the attorneys representing Flores' family, John Carpenter, of Carpenter & Zuckerman Law, said at the news conference, according to KABC-TV. 'Stop exposing our deputies and law enforcement to this deadly threat.' Given the size of Los Angeles County, the sheriff's department has multiple mobile shooting ranges, where deputies and other personnel could renew firearm qualifications when they need to, according to the agency. According to the lawsuit, fires have previously broken out at ranges used by the department, before Flores' death. Flores' family, at the news conference, said that his death 'has left a tremendous void' and that they seek answers and 'accountability for the tragic incident that took him from our lives.' 'We also want to ensure that no other deputies lose their lives in this way because no family should have to go through the devastation that our family has had to face and continues to face every day,' the family said. With the lawsuit, they hope to prevent the sheriff's department from using its mobile shooting ranges, or a court order that will make sure other law enforcement officers will be protected from potential injuries. They're demanding a jury trial and seeking an unspecified amount in damages. The family is also represented by attorney Carlos Hernandez, of Carpenter & Zuckerman Law, and Joe Nuñez of Westford Law Group.
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Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Eicher Motors Q4 results: Profit up 27%; Royal Enfield sets sales record
Eicher Motors on Wednesday reported a 27 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) rise in consolidated net profit to ₹1,362 crore for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024-25 (FY25), driven by launches, an expanded international footprint, and diversification. Total revenue from operations rose 23.15 per cent in Q4FY25, supported by growth in both two-wheeler and commercial vehicle volumes. This was Eicher's highest-ever Q4 as well as annual revenue. On Wednesday, the company's stock rose 0.48 per cent to close at ₹5,446.9 apiece on the BSE. The results were announced after market hours. B Govindarajan, managing director (MD), Eicher Motors, and chief executive officer (CEO), Royal Enfield, told reporters: 'Eicher posted a record performance this quarter, and the growth momentum continued through the full year, driven by Royal Enfield's market-leading model launches, expanding international footprint, and electric vehicle (EV) positioning, alongside Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles' (VECV's) record truck, bus and parts sales, supported by product expansion and localisation.' On the export front, Royal Enfield remains cautiously optimistic for 2025-26 (FY26), despite dynamic global tariff conditions. In key markets such as the US, the company has proactively stocked pre-tariff motorcycles to ensure uninterrupted availability for the current season. Strategic investments continue in international markets, with Royal Enfield crossing the 100,000-unit export milestone last year. The company is expanding its presence in Brazil with additional completely knocked down (CKD) operations, while in Thailand, it has set up a CKD plant to improve proximity to customers and benefit from trade agreements. The focus remains on driving absolute growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation, rather than margin percentages, with ongoing investments in product upgrades and feature enhancements. For FY25, Eicher's consolidated net profit rose 18.3 per cent to ₹4,734.4 crore. Revenue from operations grew 14.1 per cent to ₹18,870.3 crore. Siddhartha Lal, chairman, Eicher Motors, said: 'In the motorcycle business, the middleweight segment (250–750 cc) saw a lot of action, as Royal Enfield sold 1 million motorcycles annually for the first time in its history. At VECV, too, we saw record-breaking volumes and a strong performance despite challenging market conditions.' This quarter, Royal Enfield recorded its highest-ever quarterly sales, selling 280,801 motorcycles — a 23.2 per cent Y-o-Y increase. For FY25, Royal Enfield crossed the 1 million mark in annual sales for the first time. Total volumes stood at 1,002,893 units, marking a 10.0 per cent Y-o-Y increase. Domestic sales rose 8.1 per cent to 902,757 units, while international volumes jumped 29.7 per cent, with 100,136 motorcycles exported. The company revealed that Royal Enfield's electric sub-brand, Flying Flea, will enter the market in Q4FY26. Developed as the brand's first step into electric mobility, Flying Flea will focus on lightweight, urban-centric motorcycles that blend timeless design with modern technology. The initial lineup will include two models — C6 and S6 — scheduled for launch in Q4FY26. Backed by a team of over 450 engineers, the electric platform is designed to evolve across multiple form factors. Flying Flea will remain part of Royal Enfield rather than being spun off, with retail strategies — including existing dealerships, direct-to-consumer models, and new formats — currently under evaluation. Royal Enfield first unveiled the Flying Flea at EICMA 2024. VECV reported revenue from operations of ₹23,548 crore, a 7.7 per cent Y-o-Y increase. It sold 90,000 units in FY25, registering 5.4 per cent Y-o-Y growth. Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO of VECV, said: 'VECV continued to outperform a nearly flat industry in FY25. We closed the year as a market leader in the Indian 5–18.5 tonne light and medium-duty truck segment and recorded our highest-ever deliveries across key business verticals.' Eicher Trucks & Buses entered the small commercial vehicle segment with the launch of the Eicher Pro X range of electric-first small trucks. Volvo Trucks introduced India's first FM Road Train — a tractor unit towing two or more trailers. Both Volvo and Eicher began deliveries of liquefied natural gas-powered trucks. Eicher Trucks & Buses also expanded its EV offerings during the year.
Leader Live
13-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Mold bases launch guides in Mental Health Awareness Week
The guides, by Cygnet, which supports men and women hospitalised with their mental health across the region, is designed to provide individuals and organisations with essential tools for better mental wellbeing. These free resources offer practical advice on common mental health conditions, job search resilience, and workplace mental health strategies for both employees and employers. Read more: North Wales hospitals have worst A+E waiting times in the country, figures show The guides, developed by psychologists at Cygnet Health Care, include: • An insight to common mental health disorders - Outlining symptoms, causes, and treatment options for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. • Rebuilding confidence while job searching - Offering support and encouragement to those navigating unemployment or career changes. • An employee's guide to looking after mental health at work - Providing actionable steps for managing stress, setting boundaries, and seeking help. • An employer's guide to protecting the mental health of your workers - Helping leaders foster a culture of openness, support, and psychological safety. Cygnet was established in 1988 and since then has developed a wide range of health and social care services for young people and adults with mental health needs, acquired brain injuries, eating disorders, autism and learning disabilities within the UK. Read more: Pioneering Wrexham organisation hailed as blueprint for social care in Wales Dr Erica De Lange, regional director of psychology at Cygnet Health Care, emphasised the importance of accessible mental health resources during this national campaign. She said: "Mental Health Awareness Week is a crucial reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting mental wellbeing, whether that's looking after ourselves, supporting a colleague, or building healthier workplaces. These guides are designed to be practical and empowering, meeting people wherever they are on their mental health journey. "Mental health challenges continue to rise across the UK, with stress, anxiety, and burnout now among the leading causes of workplace absenteeism. Read more: Flintshire the first county in Wales to protect medical cannabis users "The guides we have produced at Cygnet aim to reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and provide straightforward strategies to promote resilience and recovery. "Understanding the signs of mental health difficulties is the first step. But we also need tools to help us respond, as individuals, employees, and leaders. These guides are a step towards making that knowledge and support more widely available." Cygnet Delfryn House and Cygnet Delfryn Lodge, Mold, offer support to men and women who have been hospitalised with their mental health. Dr De Lange added: "We are really proud to be part of the Flintshire community, as we are across all areas where we have services. Read more: Gym duo invest thousands with the opening of new gym "I would encourage all local Flintshire residents and employers to read the guides during Mental Health Awareness week. "Whether you're navigating your own mental health, supporting a loved one, or leading a team, these guides offer clear, compassionate advice that can make a real difference and could be the first step towards better wellbeing for yourself or someone you care about." • The guides are now available to download for free via the Cygnet website at:
