A devastating fire and explosion at a fireworks factory in rural northern California has left seven people missing, authorities reported on Wednesday. The incident occurred Tuesday evening in Esperto, Yolo County, about 40 miles west of Sacramento.
Aerial footage broadcast by local media showed a lightning-like fireball erupting into the sky, shaking the surrounding area, and reducing a large warehouse building to rubble. Following the initial explosion, thick black smoke billowed into the air, accompanied by dozens of smaller blasts.
Officials believe the explosion was triggered by a fire in a warehouse storing fireworks at the factory. The resulting blaze burned 78 acres of nearby vegetation, according to Jason Clay, spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Esperto Fire Protection District Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence confirmed that two people injured in the incident have been treated, while search operations continue for the seven missing individuals. The explosion has caused significant structural damage and environmental hazards in the area.
