Authorities in California have announced that seven people remain missing following an explosion at a fireworks warehouse that injured two and sparked a fire in the surrounding rural area.
The explosion occurred after a fire broke out at the warehouse located in Esparto, northern California.
The incident happened just days before the traditional fireworks displays held across the United States to celebrate Independence Day on July 4, which falls on Friday this year.
California’s fire department said in a statement: “Seven people remain missing. Paramedics and investigators are tirelessly working with the site owner to locate them.”
They added that “this type of incident is very rare, as such facilities must comply not only with California’s strict fireworks regulations but also federal explosives storage rules.”
According to authorities, the condition of the two injured individuals, who were taken to the hospital, is not life-threatening.
Firefighters are still unable to enter the warehouse due to the presence of fireworks that could explode.
The explosion occurred after a fire broke out at the warehouse located in Esparto, northern California.
The incident happened just days before the traditional fireworks displays held across the United States to celebrate Independence Day on July 4, which falls on Friday this year.
California’s fire department said in a statement: “Seven people remain missing. Paramedics and investigators are tirelessly working with the site owner to locate them.”
They added that “this type of incident is very rare, as such facilities must comply not only with California’s strict fireworks regulations but also federal explosives storage rules.”
According to authorities, the condition of the two injured individuals, who were taken to the hospital, is not life-threatening.
Firefighters are still unable to enter the warehouse due to the presence of fireworks that could explode.
