A massive explosion at a commercial fireworks facility has left seven people missing in Esparto, a small farming town west of Sacramento, California in the United States.
The blast happened Tuesday evening, just days before America’s Independence Day.
A fiery mushroom cloud lit up the rural skyline, followed by sharp crackles from secondary explosions that rocked nearby homes.
Two people were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities say rescue teams are still combing the scene for the missing.
Deadly Fireball Rips Through Rural Town
“I can say I have not seen anything like this,” said Curtis Lawrence, Fire Chief for the Esparto Fire Protection District.
“We are still trying to determine the fate of the missing individuals, but conditions remain too hazardous to enter the site.”
BREAKING: Fireworks warehouse explodes in Yolo County, California, destroying 2 homes pic.twitter.com/kRlVDvu8YV
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Aerial video showed the structure completely destroyed. Flames spread to about 78 acres of dry brush nearby, while loud pyrotechnic blasts continued to echo long after the initial detonation.
Officials said the fire knocked out power to nearly 150 homes and farms. Residents were ordered to evacuate as a safety perimeter was set up.
Fireworks Still Exploding as Search Stalls
The fireworks continue to detonate inside the rubble, making rescue efforts dangerous.
Drones and aircraft have been deployed to monitor hot zones and identify safe paths for first responders. Still, crews have not been able to re-enter the core blast site.
“When it comes to determining when it’s safe to go in, it’s tough to get a definitive answer,” Chief Lawrence said. “We are proceeding with extreme caution.”
Investigators from the California State Fire Marshal’s Office are now probing the cause of the explosion. They confirmed the facility was licensed to store commercial fireworks for public displays.
It is not clear whether fireworks were also being manufactured there at the time.
Lawrence refused to confirm if the missing individuals were employees or passersby, but said no firefighters or emergency personnel had been injured.
As fireworks safety takes national focus just hours to July 4th national celebrations, officials urge residents in the region to remain cautious and obey all evacuation instructions.
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