safety
8-year-old girl dies after firework misfires during Fourth of July display, authorities say
By Akim Powell at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
The tragic death of an 8-year-old girl in California due to a firework misfire serves as a stark reminder for Laredo residents to exercise caution during celebrations. As the city's own Fourth of July festivities approach, it's crucial for locals to be mindful of the dangers associated with fireworks, especially those that are illegal or improperly handled. The fact that the accused, Earl Decastro, purchased illegal fireworks from an unlicensed seller and set them off in a residential area, highlights the risks of reckless behavior. Laredo authorities must ensure that residents are aware of the laws and regulations surrounding fireworks, and that those who violate them are held accountable. Furthermore, the community should come together to promote safe and responsible celebrations, prioritizing the well-being of children and families. By learning from this devastating incident, Laredo can work towards preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Akim Powell at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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