A Fourth of July celebration in Buena Park ended tragically after an 8-year-old girl was fatally injured by a misfired firework. The incident occurred around 9:45 pm on Cornflower Circle, where a group of family and friends had gathered for the holiday.
According to the Buena Park Police Department, officers on patrol witnessed a large illegal fireworks display erupt in the street. As they approached the area, they saw people carrying a young girl, identified as Jasmine Nguyen, back into a nearby home. She had sustained severe injuries from the explosion.
Jasmine was rushed to UC Irvine Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.
Authorities say early DeCastro, the homeowner and host of the gathering, had set up a large fireworks display in the street. The display malfunctioned, firing toward the house and triggering a chain reaction that set off additional fireworks. One of the misfired explosives struck Jasmine.
Police reported that a “substantial amount” of the fireworks used in the display were illegal. DeCastro was arrested, and the case has been submitted to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for review.
If you or someone you love has been harmed due to a fireworks-related incident, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation.
The Deadly Risks of Illegal and Improperly Set Up Fireworks
While fireworks are a staple of Fourth of July celebrations, their use, especially illegal or improperly handled ones, can quickly turn deadly. According to authorities, the fireworks used in this Buena Park tragedy were not only illegal but also improperly set up in a densely populated area. When fireworks malfunction or are ignited too close to homes or people, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Illegal fireworks often lack the quality of controls of regulated commercial-grade products and can be unpredictable. When combined with a lack of safety measures, proximity to structures, and the presence of children, these factors significantly increase the risk of injury or death.
“This heartbreaking case is a painful reminder that illegal fireworks aren’t just dangerous – they’re deadly,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Our firm has seen far too many lives destroyed by negligence during celebrations that should have been safe. We extend our deepest condolences to Jasmine’s family and are committed to helping families pursue justice in the wake of such tragedies.”
Legal Options for the Family of Jasmine Nguyen
In situations like this, where a child has died due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, the family may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of legal claim seeks to hold the responsible individual or parties accountable for the preventable loss of life and the emotional and financial harm left behind.
The family may be able to obtain compensation through the wrongful death claim to cover expenses, including:
- The medical treatment Jasmine received before succumbing to her injuries
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Emotional trauma and loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
At Singleton Schreiber, we have extensive experience representing families in tragic wrongful death cases involving explosions, fires, and hazardous materials. If your family has been affected by a fireworks-related accident, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to explore your legal options.
