Launch Platform Malfunction May Be To Blame For July 4th Fireworks Mishap
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A Southern California fireworks explosion mishap sent hundreds running for safety during a July 4 celebration Thursday, and police suspect there was a malfunction with one of the launch platforms.
According to Simi Valley authorities, the detonation occurred because a platform holding the fireworks broke and fell over after the fireworks had been lit. The police statement noted no reason for the accident but that foul play was not suspected; that it was an industrial accident.
Bay Fireworks of New York was in charge of setting up for the show and said it regrets that people were hurt during the fireworks display. The company said public safety is their number one priority.
The company went on to say that its staff is fully trained and qualified to set up and discharge the fireworks displays. Authorities, it said, inspected and approved the equipment being used and were given the proper permits.
Simi Valley police said the crowd was roughly 800 feet away from the launch site. Deputy Chief of the Ventura County Fire Department said the distance is based on the mortar shell size. He said the distances were close to or beyond the recommended distances for mortar shells.
There were nearly 30 victims – from 8 years old to 78 year old – in the mishap. Eight people were treated on site; the others had to be hospitalized. Four people suffered serious injuries that include cuts and burns.
Simi Valley Hospital’s President and CEO Kim Milstein said there were a lot of burn injuries, some shrapnel injuries, chest pain and some trampling-type injuries. Milstien said two male adults were treated for chest pain and trampling injuries but that their injuries were considered non-life-threatening.
California’s OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) were made aware of the incident but since no injuries occurred to the employees of Bay Fireworks, the agency is not going to be involved with the investigation. Rather, the state’s fire marshal’s office will lead the investigation.
Up to 10,000 people were expected to be in an attendance to the celebration. The incident happened around 9:20 p.m. in the Rancho Santa Susana Community Center and Park. Fire and emergency medical personnel were already on hand so victims were treated rapidly.
According to authorities, the majority of the fireworks did not launch and remained unexploded.
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