Firework Company Fined $110K After Deadly Warehouse Fire
A warehouse in Orange County that housed a fireworks company, Magic in the Sky, recently experienced a deadly accident that resulted in the death of four people and severe injuries for another person. OSHA records indicate that the company has been fined nearly $110,000 and received 10 separate violations for the numerous safety violations observed.
On Dec. 1, the fireworks explosion occurred, leading to the hospitalization of five individuals, including a teenager. Unfortunately, four of them died, and they were identified as David Gonzalez, 22; Lindsey Phillips, 23; Landon Bourland, 24, and Elizabeth Tiralongo, 22. The lawsuits that followed the accident alleged that Magic in the Sky’s workers were not trained accurately, and fireworks were not supposed to be kept in the warehouse.
The lawsuits also named several other entities, including SeaWorld Entertainment. The lawsuits claimed that the joint venture relationship meant that SeaWorld Entertainment had an obligation to ensure that Magic in the Sky complied with all safety regulations. The estate of Phillips filed a lawsuit in March alleging negligence on behalf of Magic in the Sky and SeaWorld Entertainment. According to the lawsuit, the warehouse used by Magic in the Sky to store and repair fireworks was not authorized or approved, and Phillips did not receive proper training. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that proper fire safety equipment, such as smoke alarms or detectors, was not installed.
Months after the deadly accident, an Orange County commissioner discovered that the warehouse was not permitted to store fireworks. Instead, it was only authorized to keep furniture in the facility. OSHA’s inspection revealed that Magic in the Sky failed to comply with essential safety regulations. The company did not provide adequate storage facilities or properly train employees to handle dangerous materials, such as fireworks, which led to OSHA fining the company.
The tragic accident that occurred in the Magic in the Sky warehouse highlighted the importance of following safety regulations and guidelines while handling hazardous materials. The lawsuit filed by the affected families ensures that the companies involved are held accountable for their apparent disregard for the safety of their employees. Moreover, the OSHA fines will compel other organizations to prioritize safety to avoid running afoul of safety regulations.
