3 brothers among missing after Yolo County fireworks warehouse explosion, family says
By Aja Seldon and Jana Katsuyama
ESPARTO, Calif. (KION-TV) - Among those missing after an explosion and fire at a fireworks warehouse in Yolo County are three brothers who had recently started working at the facility, according to family members.
Brothers had just started working at the warehouse
What they're saying: Syanna Ruiz said her 18-year-old boyfriend, Jesus Maneces Ramos, is one of seven people unaccounted for following the explosion Tuesday evening in Esparto, a small agricultural town part of the Sacramento metropolitan area.
The explosion occurred at a licensed fireworks storage facility near County Road 23 and County Road 86, authorities said. The specific name of the company has not been confirmed by fire officials.
Ruiz, who is expecting a baby with Ramos, said it was his first day on the job. He wanted to earn money to prepare for their child’s arrival.
"I'm only two months pregnant, but he was so excited," she said. "That was the main reason why he wanted to start working, was just for our family."
Ramos was supposed to get off work at 2 p.m. The explosion was reported around 5:50 p.m.
Ramos’ brother Ernesto said the family drove from San Francisco to Esparto after learning of the fire.
Loved ones said two other brothers, Johnny Ramos, 22, and Joel Melendez, 28, are also missing. They had both started working at the warehouse last week in preparation for the July Fourth holiday season.
Melendez left behind his pregnant wife, Maria Melendez, and their 11-month-old son, according to a verified GoFundMe.
Two people escaped the explosion and fire, while seven in total remain unaccounted for, authorities said.
"A good person," Ruiz said of her boyfriend. "A kind soul who cared so much about people, who put other people before himself."
Esparto Fire Protection District Chief Curtis Lawrence said crews arrived at the facility shortly around 6 p.m. to find the warehouse engulfed in flames, with multiple explosions occurring.
Fireworks were seen going off amid the flames, some of which were captured on video.
Firefighters can't enter the site yet
Local perspective: Cal Fire spokesperson Jason Clay said it was still too dangerous to enter the site as of Wednesday afternoon.
"We do have aerial reconnaissance going on, and that is a big part of the investigation," Clay said.
The cause of the explosion has not been determined.
Fireworks facility was licensed
Dig deeper: Devastating Pyrotechnics is the operator of the fireworks warehouse.
The company put out the following statement on Wednesday evening: "Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation."
Officials confirmed the site is a licensed fireworks business.
Yolo County officials said they are working with the pyrotechnic license holder to ensure compliance with state and federal explosive storage regulations.
