Rescue crews have recovered the bodies of all seven individuals who went missing after a fireworks warehouse explosion in Esparto, a rural community in Yolo County, Northern California. The explosion occurred last week and resulted in a massive blaze, which was captured on television news showing several explosions and plumes of thick black smoke emanating from the site.
The warehouse, owned by Devastating Pyrotechnics, a company with over 30 years of experience in designing and producing fireworks shows, was managed by an active pyrotechnics license holder. The explosion also sparked a 78-acre wildfire in the area. The identities of the deceased have not been released, pending formal notification of their families. However, it is reported that several of the victims were warehouse employees.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation by multiple agencies, including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Devastating Pyrotechnics expressed their condolences in a statement, saying, "Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community." They also pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.