Families of seven workers killed in a fireworks explosion at an unauthorized storage facility in Esparto are calling for accountability more than a week after the deadly incident.
The blast occurred Tuesday last week at a warehouse operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics, a company that did not have a permit to store fireworks on the property, according to officials. The site, located on land zoned for agriculture, is now at the center of a widening investigation by the California State Fire Marshal and local authorities.
As of Wednesday, the Yolo County Coroner’s Office had not publicly identified the deceased. However, relatives have confirmed the deaths of brothers Jhony Ramos Jr. and Jesus Ramos, along with Joel “Junior” Melendez, 28, and Carlos Rodriguez.
Melendez’s family criticized the lack of transparency, saying they feel officials are treating the victims as “just numbers.” A GoFundMe campaign has been launched in his memory.
Video and photo evidence shared by the victims’ families reportedly showed hazardous conditions at the site, including poor ventilation and overcrowded storage areas.
Investigators recently searched the home of company owner Kenny Chee. Complicating the matter further, the property is owned by a Yolo County sheriff’s lieutenant, and an Esparto firefighter who worked at the site also owns another fireworks company.
The State Fire Marshal’s office said it is still gathering evidence and cannot release further details until the case is more fully developed. No timeline has been given for when additional updates will be made public.
