Tragic July 4th Fireworks Blast: One Dead, Three Injured in Devastating Accident

A man faces an involuntary manslaughter charge following a tragic Fourth of July fireworks explosion in Southern California, which claimed the life of a woman in her 20s, injured three others, and set a vehicle ablaze.

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday along the 5600 block of D Street in Chino. Police responded to reports of a car fire and discovered several individuals with severe injuries.

Authorities believe the explosion was caused by a large quantity of fireworks igniting, which subsequently led to a vehicle catching fire.

Officials have identified the suspect as 28-year-old Derion Tradon James Jr. from Hesperia. He was apprehended at the scene and later booked into the West Valley Detention Center on charges of manslaughter.

According to jail records, James is being held on a $50,000 bail and is due to appear in court on Tuesday morning.

Four people were taken to a hospital following the explosion, including three adults and one juvenile, NBC reported.

Officials announced Sunday morning that a woman in her 20s had died from her injuries at a local hospital.

The two other injured adults suffered serious injuries but are expected to survive, while the juvenile was taken to the hospital for evaluation before being released to family members.

“Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe a large quantity of fireworks ignited, causing an explosion,” the Chino Police Department said, confirming the blast also caused a vehicle to catch fire.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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