BUENA PARK, CA (LOOTPRESS) – An 8-year-old girl died after being struck by an illegal fireworks display on the Fourth of July, police confirmed Saturday.
According to the Buena Park, California Police Department, officers were patrolling the area of the 8000 block of Cornflower Circle around 9:45 p.m. on July 4 when they witnessed family members frantically carrying a child into a nearby home.
Officers had already been in the neighborhood due to a large number of fireworks being detonated.
Police immediately rushed to assist and began life-saving efforts before the child was taken to the University of California, Irvine Medical Center.
Despite their efforts, the girl was pronounced dead at the hospital. Her name has not been released out of respect for her family.
An initial investigation revealed that a nearby homeowner had ignited a large illegal fireworks display, which malfunctioned and began firing toward the residence where the child was located.
The homeowner who set off the fireworks was arrested. Their name has not yet been released, and the case is being reviewed by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for potential charges.
Buena Park Police are continuing to investigate the incident alongside the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad.
