Woman killed, 3 injured after July 4 fireworks explosion in Chino
Woman killed, 3 hurt in Chino fireworks blast
A man is behind bars after a fireworks blast turned deadly in Chino over the 4th of July holiday weekend.
CHINO, Calif. - Authorities said a festive night of fireworks turned into a frantic and deadly scene in Chino over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
What we know:
A suspect, identified as 28-year-old Derion Tradon James Jr. of Hesperia, is behind bars following a fireworks explosion that left a woman dead and three others hurt. He was detained at the scene and was later booked on suspicion of involuntary mansalughter, authorities said.
What they're saying:
Residents near D Street described the blast that rattled the neighborhood on Saturday, July 4.
"We thought it was a finale, like someone was doing something big. It was chaotic," one resident said.
"It's horrifying, horrifying," another resident told FOX 11 on Sunday.
Chino police say detectives believe a large quantity of fireworks ignited and caused an explosion.
Authorities say the explosion also led to a nearby vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.
According to police, three adults and a child were taken to the hospital. One of the adult victims, a woman in her 20s, later died at the hospital.
"Everyone was ready to BBQ, have a good day, see the fireworks, and at the end of it, not everybody made it out, so I just feel very sorry for the families," neighbor Stephanie Moreno said.
She shared what she says she saw Saturday evening.
"The car, the trunk just exploded. It was just engulfed immediately in flames," Moreno said.
The City of Chino says it has a long tradition of "allowing safe and sane fireworks."
Woman dead, others hurt after fireworks explosion
A woman is dead and several others are hurt after a fireworks explosion in Chino.
Some neighbors say after this past July 4, they hope some things might change.
"It's gotten a little out of control," one Chino resident said. "I think there will be more regulations in place, you know, hopefully."
Police say the other two adult victims who sustained serious injuries are expected to survive. The child who was also sent to the hospital, has now been released.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Chino Police Department and on-scene interviews with neighborhood residents.