A Fourth of July celebration in a Chino neighborhood turned into a nightmare when a stash of fireworks exploded and ignited a vehicle, leaving three adults severely injured and a child hospitalized, authorities said. Neighbors described people running for cover as flaming debris rained down across front yards and the street.
Officers were called around 8:30 p.m. to the 5600 block of D Street for reports of a vehicle fire and arrived to find four people badly hurt, according to CBS News Los Angeles. All four victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, and the three adults were reported to be in critical condition.
Witnesses told Eyewitness News that a large crowd had gathered to watch fireworks before the explosion. Video from the scene shows a car completely engulfed in flames, with charred debris scattered across the street, as reported by ABC7. Neighbor Gabriel Gilmore told the station, "It clearly looked like there was a bunch of illegal fireworks in the trunk," adding that the vehicle’s hatch appeared to be the point of the blast. Investigators were seen combing through the neighborhood late Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
Investigation under way
The Chino Police Department said detectives believe a large quantity of fireworks ignited and triggered the explosion, and that the department is working with the Chino Valley Fire District as they continue to process the scene, according to CBS News Los Angeles. Officials have not released information about who was handling the fireworks or whether any criminal charges might follow.
City rules and safety reminders
Chino allows only State Fire Marshal-approved "Safe and Sane" fireworks, and then only in limited residential zones and during a short window around July 4, according to the city’s fireworks information page. The city warns that possessing or using illegal fireworks can bring fines and enforcement action. The police department says it fields dedicated enforcement units for the holiday and often deploys more than 50 personnel to respond to complaints and seize illegal fireworks stockpiles, per the Chino Police Department.
Penalties and how to report
The Chino Valley Fire District notes that possessing explosive devices or large quantities of fireworks can be charged as a felony, with higher fines and potential state prison time, while misdemeanors for illegal fireworks carry penalties of up to $1,000, according to the Chino Valley Fire District. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the blast to contact Detective Gregory at 909-334-3136, as reported by ABC7.
