Seven people are missing after a massive explosion destroyed a fireworks warehouse in northern California. The blast happened Tuesday, July 1, near the small community of Esparto, about 40 miles west of Sacramento. Authorities said search-and-rescue efforts were still underway as of Wednesday.
Explosion triggers train reaction
Thick black smoke filled the sky as fireworks at the facility ignited a chain of secondary explosions — all captured on video. The blast sent debris flying and ignited nearby vegetation.
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Evacuations and power outages
The explosion forced evacuations in a one-mile area surrounding the site as the fire from the explosion engulfed around 78 acres of vegetation around the facility.
Officials said about 150 homes and farms lost power in the immediate aftermath.
Search-and-rescue efforts underway
Two people were injured in the initial explosion and are receiving medical treatment. Seven others remain unaccounted for. Officials have not confirmed whether the missing individuals were employees, visitors or bystanders.
First responders have kept a safe distance from the blast site, using drones and aircraft to search for the missing. No injuries among emergency crews have been reported.
Cause under investigation
The cause of the explosion — which occurred just days before the Fourth of July — is still under investigation.
“I can say I have not seen anything like this,” said Curtis Lawrence, the fire chief for the Esparto Fire Protection District.
Officials described the now-leveled building as a licensed pyrotechnics company, but did not say whether the fireworks were manufactured on-site or stored for distribution.
