7 missing after fireworks warehouse explosion in Northern California

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least seven people were missing Wednesday after a fireworks warehouse in Northern California exploded in a large fireball, NBC News reported, citing officials.

Firefighters arrived around 5.50 p.m. Tuesday in the town of Esparto, northwest of Sacramento, and they found several buildings on fire and many explosions happening in the area, according to Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence.

“Seven individuals remain unaccounted for. First responders and investigators are working diligently with the property owner to determine the whereabouts of those individuals,” the Esparto Fire Protection District and the State Fire Marshal’s Office said.

Investigators believe the owner of the warehouse holds an active pyrotechnic license, the fire protection district and the state fire marshal's office said.

"As part of our investigation, we will be working to determine that everything happening at the facility was within our license requirements," they added.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, officials said.

According to Lawrence, the fire resulted in several spot fires that spread over around 80 acres in total.

Esparto is a small town of about 3,000 people, located around 30 miles northwest of Sacramento.