Woman killed, several others severely injured in Chino fireworks explosion, police say

A large fireworks explosion left a person dead and three others injured, including a minor, in Chino on the Fourth of July, authorities said.

According to Chino police officials, officers responded to reports of a vehicle fire in the 5600 block of D Street at about 8:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, officers found four people who had suffered injuries from an explosion, including three adults who were severely injured. All four were rushed to a local hospital, including a minor who was evaluated before they were released to their parent.

One of the victims, a woman in her 20s, was later pronounced dead. Her identity is pending notification of next of kin. The other two adults are expected to survive with serious injuries, police said.

Investigations revealed that a "large quantity" of fireworks ignited, causing an explosion. In addition to the injuries, a vehicle was set on fire in the explosion.

"I knew right away, it was something really bad that had happened," said Gabriel Gilmore, who recorded the aftermath of the explosion. "I feel sad. I feel shaken up. My son felt really shaken up; he was right by my side. When we got home after, he didn't even want to touch any fireworks, like, Fourth of July was done."

Police said a 28-year-old man, identified as Derion Tradon James Jr. of Hesperia, was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.

Residents living in the neighborhood where the explosion happened said that safe and sane fireworks are legal in Chino, but they could tell illegal fireworks were going off throughout the evening. 

"It's just sad. Seeing all of the debris, seeing everything, watching them pick it all up," said Stephanie Moreno, who lives in the area. "Knowing that not everybody gets to go home, it's just sad. ... Fourth of July here will never be the same in Chino."

No additional details were immediately made available.