Explosion at California courthouse where Michael Jackson was once tried

An explosion on Wednesday rocked the California courthouse where Michael Jackson was tried and acquitted nearly 20 years ago, authorities said.

Residents near the court in Santa Maria, about 150 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, were told to “avoid the area” as the scene “has not been deemed safe,” a Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s spokesperson said.

Jackson, who died in 2009, was accused of sexually abusing a little boy at his Neverland Ranch home. He was acquitted on all charges at the 2005 trial held in Santa Maria.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.