safety
8-year-old girl dies after firework misfires during Fourth of July display, authorities say
By Akim Powell at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
SANTA ANA, Calif. (Gray News) - An 8-year-old girl in California died after being struck by fireworks during a Fourth of July display.On Wednesday, 47-year-old Earl Decastro was charged with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter, along with recklessly setting fire causing great bodily inju...
Key takeaway (Gray News) - An 8-year-old girl in California died after being struck by fireworks during a Fourth of July display.
Why this matters in The Nashville
This tragic incident in California serves as a stark warning to Nashvillians about the dangers of fireworks, particularly those that are illegal or improperly handled. As Nashville residents prepare for future celebrations, they must be aware of the risks associated with fireworks and the importance of adhering to local laws and safety guidelines. The fact that the illegal firework cake contained professional-grade explosives that require a permit or license to buy highlights the need for strict regulation and enforcement of fireworks sales and use in our community. Nashville's public safety officials should take note of this incident and consider reviewing and reinforcing local ordinances to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in our city. By prioritizing safety and responsible behavior, we can help ensure that celebrations in Nashville are enjoyable and incident-free.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? SANTA ANA, Calif. (Gray News) - An 8-year-old girl in California died after being struck by fireworks during a Fourth of July display.On Wednesday, 47-year-old Earl Decastro was charged with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter, along with recklessly setting fire causing great bodily inju...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Akim Powell at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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