safety
8-year-old girl dies after firework misfires during Fourth of July display, authorities say
By Akim Powell at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 Midland
The tragic death of an 8-year-old girl in California after a firework misfired during a Fourth of July display is a stark reminder of the dangers of illegal fireworks. In Midland , where fireworks are a staple of many summer celebrations, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of safety and responsible behavior. The fact that the perpetrator, Earl Decastro, purchased illegal fireworks from an unlicensed seller and set them off in a residential area, puts into perspective the risks that people in Midland may also face if similar actions are taken. As the community in Midland looks to enjoy future fireworks displays, it is crucial that residents prioritize safety and adhere to local regulations regarding fireworks, to prevent such a devastating incident from occurring in their own backyard. The consequences of reckless behavior with fireworks can be deadly, and it is up to individuals to ensure that their celebrations do not put others at risk.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Akim Powell at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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