The Esparto farming community faced devastation after a fireworks explosion on July 1, resulting in seven fatalities. Local farmers, including Etta James Farming LLC, are suing fireworks operators for negligence and seeking damages for crop losses. The lawsuit names Devastating Pyrotechnics, Blackstar Fireworks, and property owner Sam Machado, citing his failure to prevent the operation of illegal fireworks and the lack of warning to nearby landowners. Machado was placed on administrative leave amid investigations into county involvement in the incident.
"This explosion has devastated the entire community," said Andrew Bluth. "This is a farming community."
The civil lawsuit filed in Yolo County names Devastating Pyrotechnics and Blackstar Fireworks, along with their owners, as defendants.
The suit alleges negligence and recklessness, seeking damages for crop loss.
Machado's position of power raises concerns about substantial financial benefits from the unlawful fireworks operation.
Collection
[
|
...
]