A July 4 fireworks explosion at ground level in a residential neighborhood in Chino killed a 23-year-old woman and sent two other adults to the hospital with what were described as “severe” injuries. A child, who was nearby but at a slightly greater distance from the explosion when the detonation occurred, was also transported to a local hospital for evaluation and has since been released to a parent.
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Chino police and fire department personnel responded to a reported vehicle fire in the 5600 block of D Street.
Upon arrival, public safety employees discovered that an explosion had occurred and several people had been injured. First aid was rendered to multiple victims. As a result of the explosion, a nearby vehicle also became engulfed in flames.
Based on the preliminary investigation by the Ontario Fire Department’s bomb squad, it appears a large quantity of fireworks ignited, causing the explosion.
The Chino Police Department’s investigation resulted in Derion Tradon James Jr., a 28-year-old Hesperia resident, being detained at the scene and later being booked at the West Valley Detention Center for Penal Code section 192(b), involuntary manslaughter. James was released from custody on July 6, upon posting $50,000 bail. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is evaluating the matter for the applicability of criminal charges against him.
The Los Angeles County Office of the Medical Examiner, which is conducting the death investigation, identified Leslie Viguerias Bustos of Hesperia, a 23-year-old Hispanic female, as the deceased. Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Emily Lo gave “blast injuries” as the cause of death and the manner of death as an “accident.”