A Southern California family has revealed the devastating toll a fireworks blast took on a first-time dad who survived the deadly explosion but suffered life-altering injuries.
The chaos unfolded on the Fourth of July in Chino, where a fireworks explosion killed a woman in her 20s, injured several others and set a vehicle ablaze after the pyrotechnics ignited.
Franki Lopez, who had recently welcomed his first child, was identified by his family as one of the victims in a GoFundMe campaign.
“The blast caused him to suffer second degree burns, ruptured ear drums, and hearing loss,” the page for Lopez read.
The explosion also destroyed Lopez’s car, wiping out nearly everything he owned, according to his family.
They said he had recently moved to Oregon to begin a new chapter in his life before the holiday turned tragic.
“His car caught fire and was rendered inoperable, destroying nearly all of his belongings except for a few clothes he had left at our mom’s house,” the fundraiser read.
“He was airlifted from Pomona Hospital to a burn center in Orange, CA, where he is currently being treated for his wounds and lacerations.”
The family said this terrible tragedy has “turned his life upside down,” leaving him with unimaginable “medical bills and the challenge of rebuilding his life from scratch.”
“My brother is a loving son, brother, and father who has always worked hard to provide for his family, friends, and loved ones,” the message read.
“Despite everything, he remains strong and determined to recover and care for his son.”
As to how the explosion occurred, investigators believe a large quantity of fireworks ignited, triggering the explosion and a nearby vehicle catching fire.
During the investigation, 28-year-old Derion Tradon James Jr., of Hesperia, who was detained at the scene, was later booked into the West Valley Detention Center on an involuntary manslaughter charge
Four people were taken to a hospital following the explosion, including three adults and one juvenile, NBC reported.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe a large quantity of fireworks ignited, causing an explosion,” the Chino Police Department said, confirming the blast also caused a vehicle fire.
The investigation remains ongoing.
