Workers Dead after Fireworks Explosions for Fourth of July Holiday

Safety at Work

Esparto, CA (WorkersCompensation.com) – Details are emerging after a deadly explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Northern California killed seven workers.

The explosion was one of several where workers were injured in fireworks displays over the holiday weekend.

On July 1, a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, Calif., a rural areas about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento, exploded. The cause so far is unknown. The blast ignited an 80-acre wildfire in nearby agricultural fields and forced the evacuation of nearby residents. Officials said the property the warehouse was on was owned by a local deputy sheriff and was not zoned to store pyrotechnics.

The fireworks company, Devastating Pyrotechnics, was producing fireworks shows and owned the warehouse with another company, BlackStar Fireworks. BlackStar is reportedly owned by Craig Cutright, who is also an employee of Devastating Pyrotechnics and a volunteer firefighter with Esparto Fire Protection District. Esparto Fire Protection District Chief Curtis Lawrence said Cutright is currently on a leave of absence.

Initially, the seven workers were reported missing, but on Saturday, July 5, the remains of all of them were recovered. Officials said that DNA results are expected shortly to officially identify those who died. Family members and close friends have identified several of the victims.

Among the victims were 18-year-old Jose Ramos, 22-year-old Jhony Ramos, 18-year-old Jesus Ramos, 41-year-old Carlos Rodriguez, Angel Voller (age unknown), and 28-year-old Junior Melendez.

The state fire marshal, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other federal agencies continue to investigate.  

In Chicago, two Chicago Park District employees were seriously injured by a firework explosion on July 5 at the Humboldt Park beach. The victims, a 19-year-old and 24-year-old woman, were struck by shrapnel after lighting a device, and were said to have suffered burns and hand injuries. Both were hospitalized in serious condition.

Police have said that fireworks are not allowed in the park and have not said whether the two victims were working at the time of the event.

In Salt Lake City, the Fourth of July fireworks display was canceled after multiple people sustained non-life-threatening injuries when fireworks were accidentally detonated on Friday morning, July 4. The city government said everyone injured was given medical treatment.

“Given the incident there will be no fireworks display tonight for the Fourth of July,” the city said in a statement.

According to the city, the explosion happened at around 8:30 a.m. on 3-mile Mountain, where firefighters and public works employees were getting ready for the city’s annual fireworks display.

“We started hearing loud booms,” said West Wendover Mayor Jasie Holm. “You could see smoke and fireworks start to explode. It lasted about 15 to 20 minutes.”

Officials said several firefighters and public works staff were injured and one firefighter was taken to Salt Lake City with a foot injury while others were treated at the scene.

“We’re just thankful that nobody was killed,” Holm said.

Officials said they were still investigating the cause of the explosion.

At least one employee was injured when a fireworks display exploded while crews were setting up for a show at a Cape Cod golf course.

Firefighters in Mashpee, Mass., responded to a call at the New Seabury Country Club shortly after 4:30 p.m. on July 1. Officials said one person suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital and another was taken to Falmouth Hospital with minor injuries.

The firefighters said six others were evaluated but refused transportation. Two of those victims were treated at the scene for minor injuries, officials said.

In an email to club members, Country Club General Manager Jim Clay said at least one company employee was injured.

"Due to this incident we unfortunately have to cancel the Fireworks portion of tonight's Event while the situation is handled," the email read. "The BBQ and Kid's Activities are still on. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and are focused on the injured person and the safety of everyone involved."

The fireworks company, Pyrotecnico, said in a statement that the crew was assembling the annual fireworks display when a shell ignited, which in turn ignited the cases that were on the ground. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the incident.

Officials said one of the workers setting up the display suffered serious burns and was flown to a burn center.

Share This Article: