Illegal Fireworks Misfire and Kill 8-year-old Girl in Upstate New York

Photo Credit OC HAWK

A Fourth of July celebration turned tragic Thursday night after an illegal fireworks display went horribly wrong, fatally injuring an 8-year-old girl.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 9:45pm in a residential neighborhood when a powerful firework misfired, struck the child, and ignited nearby fireworks.

Officers, who were already in the area due to reports of heavy illegal fireworks activity, witnessed family members carrying the injured child into a home on Cornflower Circle.

Police and first responders immediately began life-saving measures before the girl was rushed to UC Irvine Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

Her identity has not been publicly released out of respect for her grieving family.

Investigators say the source of the tragedy was a large-scale illegal fireworks display set off by a neighbor.

After the initial firework launched, it misfired and set off several other nearby explosives, one of which struck the young girl.

“This was a heartbreaking and entirely preventable incident,” the Buena Park Police Department said in a statement. “A child lost her life due to reckless and illegal behavior. We urge the public to leave fireworks to trained professionals.”

Police confirmed several other people were nearby during the incident, but no one else sustained serious injuries.

The individual responsible for setting off the fireworks was taken into custody at the scene and authorities say charges are currently pending review by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed.

The investigation is ongoing and is being handled in coordination with the Orange County Fire Authority and the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad.

Law enforcement agencies across New York have repeatedly warned of the dangers of illegal fireworks.

This incident marks one of the most devastating outcomes in recent memory.

“Our hearts go out to this child’s family,” the department added.

“No family should have to endure this kind of loss during what should be a joyful holiday.”

Illegal Fireworks Misfire and Kill 8-year-old Girl in Upstate New York