Seven people remain missing after a massive fire and explosion destroyed a commercial fireworks facility in rural northern California, authorities reported on Wednesday, July 2. The explosion occurred Tuesday evening in Esparto, a community roughly 40 miles (64 km) west of Sacramento. Aerial footage showed the warehouse obliterated in a powerful fireball that sent shockwaves through the area. The blast released thick black smoke and triggered a series of smaller explosions as fireworks stored at the site ignited.

According to Jason Clay, spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the resulting fire scorched around 78 acres of nearby vegetation. Two individuals sustained injuries during the initial explosion and received medical treatment. Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence of the Esparto Fire Protection District confirmed that seven others were still unaccounted for as of Wednesday’s press briefing, held about 24 hours after the incident. The cause of the explosion, which happened just days before the July 4th holiday known for fireworks displays, is under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office.

Due to the unpredictable nature of live fireworks still going off at the site, emergency personnel have kept a safe distance while continuing risk assessments. Drones and aircraft are being used to search for the missing and monitor the scene. Officials have not confirmed whether the missing individuals were employees or bystanders. No emergency responders were injured.

I’ve never witnessed anything like this, Chief Lawrence said. When asked when crews might safely enter the site, he responded that it was difficult to predict. An evacuation zone has been established around the area, and approximately 150 nearby homes and farms are without power. The destroyed building was identified as a licensed commercial pyrotechnics business, though it remains unclear whether the site was used solely for storage or also for manufacturing fireworks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.