Buena Park, CA – A Fourth of July celebration turned tragic in Buena Park after an 8-year-old girl died from injuries sustained during a fireworks display gone horribly wrong. Authorities confirmed on Saturday that the child was fatally injured in a residential neighborhood near the 8000 block of Cornflower Circle, where illegal fireworks were being set off in the street.
The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. Friday night, just as many communities were celebrating the holiday with fireworks. Officers from the Buena Park Police Department were already patrolling the area after observing a large volume of fireworks being ignited nearby. During their patrol, they witnessed family members “frantically carrying a child into a residence,” prompting officers to stop and render emergency aid.
Life-saving efforts were immediately initiated before the child was rushed to UC Irvine Medical Center. Tragically, despite the efforts of first responders and medical professionals, the young girl was pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to a preliminary investigation, the fireworks were placed in the street by a homeowner. The display malfunctioned, misfiring in the direction of a nearby home where the child was located. The misfire ignited other illegal fireworks in close proximity, resulting in an explosive chain reaction. Authorities believe one of the misfired fireworks struck the child, causing the fatal injuries.
“Several other individuals were present, but no significant injuries were reported,” police stated in an official release. The child’s name has not yet been released, pending family notification.
The homeowner, whose identity has not been made public, was arrested at the scene. Charges are currently pending review by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The Buena Park Police Department is working closely with investigators from the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad to further examine the scene and the source of the illegal explosives.
This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow over the holiday weekend and serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with illegal fireworks. Authorities are urging residents to leave fireworks to licensed professionals and avoid using illegal or unregulated pyrotechnics at home.
The community is left grieving the loss of an innocent child whose life was cut tragically short during what should have been a night of celebration. Local leaders and neighbors are already expressing condolences and calling for stricter enforcement of fireworks laws to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the Buena Park Police Department is asking anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward.
Our hearts go out to the family of the young victim during this unimaginable time.
