Her son, Joel "Junior" Melendez, 28, was killed in the blast. Lupe said her strong words are directed at the fireworks company that employed her son and also at county and state officials, who have provided limited information in the investigation. Lupe wants her son to be remembered as a great father, brother and friend.

There is more criticism for the fireworks company at the center of the criminal investigation, Devastating Pyrotechnics — this time from a leader in the national fireworks industry.

As the investigation into last week’s fatal explosion in Yolo County continues, a fireworks industry representative and Cal Fire advisory committee member says there’s work to be done.

The state fire marshal sat down for a one-on-one interview regarding the investigation into the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion that killed seven people.

A 22-year-old man died a week after a fireworks explosion in Pushmataha County left several people critically injured.

Terrell Cooks pled guilty to felonies, including involuntary manslaughter, tied to a fatal 2022 fireworks explosion.

Ely Smith, a graduate of Vian High School and one of the three victims admitted in critical condition, died on July 8.