LOS ANGELES—Authorities across several U.S. states were investigating a series of deadly fireworks-related incidents following the July Fourth holiday weekend, after explosions and fires killed multiple people, injured others and damaged homes and commercial buildings.
In Southern California, investigators were examining several incidents linked to fireworks, including a fatal explosion in the city of Chino that killed a woman and seriously injured three other people, according to the Chino Police Department. Police said a preliminary investigation indicated that a large quantity of fireworks ignited, causing an explosion that engulfed two vehicles. A man was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, but authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and no determination of criminal responsibility has been made by a court.
Elsewhere in the Los Angeles area, fire officials continued investigating multiple blazes that broke out during Independence Day celebrations. The Los Angeles Fire Department said commercial-grade fireworks were found near a Wilmington fire that critically injured one person and damaged several vehicles, while separate commercial and vegetation fires also remained under investigation by arson investigators.
In South Carolina, the Oconee County Coroner's Office said one man died after fireworks detonated prematurely during a private display on Lake Keowee. Investigators said several people jumped into the water to escape the blast, and authorities were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Police in Suffolk County, New York, were also investigating two separate incidents. One man died after a firework exploded and struck him during a backyard celebration, while another man suffered serious facial injuries in a separate accident at a beach gathering, according to county police. Detectives appealed for witnesses as the investigations continued.
Additional investigations were launched in Kent, Washington, where three people were hospitalized with critical injuries following a fireworks accident, and in San Francisco, where fire officials said fireworks were believed to have caused multiple structure and vegetation fires that injured two people. Authorities in both jurisdictions said investigators were determining the causes of the incidents.
Public safety agencies renewed warnings against illegal or improperly handled fireworks, noting that many injuries and fires occur during the Independence Day holiday period. Officials urged residents to comply with local fireworks laws and to report dangerous activity.
As of Sunday, authorities in the affected jurisdictions said their investigations remained active, with additional findings expected after forensic examinations, witness interviews and reviews of physical evidence are completed.
