Seven people are missing after an explosion at a pyrotechnics facility in Esparto, California, per local authorities.
According to a press release by officials at Yolo County, the explosion occurred on Tuesday evening, and the area remains under an evacuation order. Authorities are assessing the site for hazards and say the risk “lessened” on Wednesday. They note there is an evacuation zone around the facility, which has caused people to leave their homes. The top priority is to move them back when it’s safe to do so.
The press release also confirms that seven people are still unaccounted for. “First responders and investigators are working diligently with the property owner to determine the whereabouts of those individuals,” officials explain. Authorities also say they are using “unmanned aircraft systems” to assess the area. A section of the release by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says they believe the location is operated by an “active pyrotechnic license holder.” They say they are working to ensure that everything happening at the facility is within license requirements.
Reports Reveal The Identity Of The Facility Operator
A report by NBC identifies the facility operator as “Devastating Pyrotechnics.” The company reportedly said in a statement, “Our focus will remain on those directly affected by this tragedy. And we will cooperate fully with proper authorities in their investigation.” The outlet also shares dramatic footage of the facility exploding in a massive fireball.
Yolo County also released a separate statement on Facebook yesterday, urging people to stay away from the area. “There is still an active evacuation zone in place around the property, and it will likely remain in effect throughout the night,” the statement reads. “We strongly urge everyone to continue avoiding the area for the next several days so that fire crews, law enforcement, and emergency personnel can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Authorities stress that incidents like this are rare, as facilities must abide by strict laws and restrictions.
Last month, hundreds of residents in Vinton County, Ohio, were forced to evacuate after a nitric acid leak. Thousands of gallons were released from a manufacturing plant called Austin Powder. The facility makes materials for explosives, but for mining and construction instead of pyrotechnics. It remains unclear what caused the leak, and no plant workers were harmed.