Tragic Fireworks Explosion Claims Life of Young Girl in Buena Park

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Community gathers to pay respects at the memorial for Jasmine Nguyen, a victim of illegal fireworks.

News Summary

An illegal fireworks explosion during a Fourth of July celebration in Buena Park has resulted in the tragic death of 8-year-old Jasmine Nguyen from Anaheim. The incident took place shortly after 9 p.m. when family members carried Jasmine into their home. Despite police assistance, she succumbed to her injuries. The homeowner hosting the gathering has been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter due to the illegal fireworks display. The local community mourns the loss of Jasmine, emphasizing safety concerns regarding illegal fireworks.

Buena Park, California – An illegal fireworks explosion on July 4th has led to the tragic death of an 8-year-old girl, identified as Jasmine Nguyen, from Anaheim. The incident took place at approximately 9:45 p.m. in the 8000 block of Cornflower Circle, shortly after festivities began for the holiday.

The Buena Park police were on patrol in the area due to a surge in illegal fireworks activity when they noticed family members carrying Jasmine into a nearby home. Officers immediately offered assistance, but Jasmine sustained critical injuries consistent with a fireworks-related blast. Despite life-saving measures administered by police at the scene, she was later transported to UCI Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Earl Decastro, the 46-year-old homeowner hosting the Fourth of July gathering, was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter following the explosion linked to an extensive illegal fireworks display he had set up in the street. The fireworks misfired toward his residence, igniting additional illegal fireworks nearby, which ultimately resulted in Jasmine’s fatal injuries. Although Decastro posted $25,000 bail, he has not yet been formally charged by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office due to the ongoing investigation.

While the explosion tragically claimed Jasmine’s life, other guests at the party reported no significant injuries. However, the community has mourned her loss deeply, with a memorial sprouting in the neighborhood, consisting of flowers and candles in her memory. Similarly, the Anaheim Elementary School District has expressed their sorrow over Jasmine’s passing, highlighting the impact of this event on the local community.

Buena Park allows the use of certain “safe and sane” fireworks; however, aerial fireworks are prohibited under both city and state law in California. This tragic incident draws attention to the ongoing concerns regarding illegal fireworks activity within the state, especially during holiday celebrations. In the days leading up to the Fourth of July, California authorities seized over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, emphasizing the increasing risks associated with their use.

This incident marks a particularly distressing trend, as the previous year saw 11 fireworks-related deaths nationwide, with an alarming increase in reported injuries. The mayor of Buena Park expressed condolences, identifying this explosion as a heartbreaking loss for the community, underscoring the importance of safety and adherence to regulations surrounding fireworks.

As investigations continue, authorities from the Buena Park Police Department, the Orange County Fire Authority, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad are reviewing the events surrounding the explosion. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy as they come to terms with the loss of a bright young life during a festive celebration.