GoFundMe launched for missing father after California fireworks warehouse explosion
Among the unaccounted is Joel 'Jr' Melendez, a young father and the sole provider for his pregnant wife and their 11-month-old son. A verified GoFundMe page launched by family members describes the anguish of Melendez's wife, Maria, as she awaits news.
'This tragic accident has taken so much from so many, and for Maria, it's shattered her entire world,' the fundraiser states. 'What should be a joyful and hopeful time has instead become filled with fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.'
The explosion, which sent flames and a plume of smoke tens of thousands of feet into the air above the town of Esparto, also left two people injured and forced evacuations within a one-mile radius.
The warehouse, operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics, stored commercial-grade fireworks and was being used to supply regional Fourth of July displays, authorities said.
According to CBS Sacramento, three brothers from the Bay Area were working at the site when the blast occurred. One of them, Jesus Maneces Ramos, 18, was on his first day.
His girlfriend, Syanna Ruiz, said she hasn't heard from him since. She identified his brothers, also missing, as Johnny Ramos, 22, and Junior Melendez, 28.
'They were, all three, incredible men who had so much coming for them, that had so much coming their way,' Ruiz told The Sacramento Bee. 'I'm just praying to God that some way, somehow, they're okay.'
Local officials have not confirmed the identities of the missing but say the investigation remains dangerous. Explosions continued Wednesday as firefighters worked to cool the site. Investigators must wait for the area to stabilize before entering.
Cal Fire's Jason Clay said in a media briefing Thursday that the facility's owner held valid state and federal licenses for storing explosives.
'Part of our investigation will be to go through and determine the materials that were in there,' he said.
Devastating Pyrotechnics released a brief statement on Wednesday night.
'Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community,' it said. 'We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.'
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