The Northern California Fireworks business confirmed that an unspecified number of employees was “lost” when a fireworks-filled warehouse exploded earlier this week, causing a few days of evacuation of nearby communities.
On Wednesday evening, the devastating fireworks issued a statement that seven workers were “not booked” in an Esparto warehouse about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento.
“Our hearts and thoughts have impacted the people we lost, their families and everyone in our community,” the company said in a statement. “Our focus remains on those who will be directly affected by this tragedy and will fully cooperate with the appropriate authorities in the investigation.”
As of Thursday morning, authorities had not confirmed that no one had been killed in the explosion.
What caused the massive explosion is under investigation by local, state and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, cigarettes, firearms and explosives. Authorities are also checking whether the facility is in line with the requirements for operating as a fireworks facility.
The explosion also launched a fire in Oakdale, burning 78 acres and 60% contained on Thursday morning.
According to the Sacramento Bee, Syanna Ruiz said her boyfriend, Jesus Ramos, 18, worked in the warehouse on Tuesday. Lewis said her boyfriend’s brother and stepbrothers have gone missing.
As of Thursday, officials said crews were still unable to enter and could not complete a full inspection of the scene due to risks from outstanding fireworks. Members of Esparto’s fire prevention district were working to build safe access to the site so investigators could search for the site.
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