Fourth Of July Fireworks Operator Injured In Ojai

OJAI (AP) — A Southern California Fourth of July fireworks show in Ojai was halted soon after it began when the 32-year-old pyrotechnic operator was injured by a premature blast.

The Ventura County Star reports the man suffered extensive injuries over most of his body in Thursday night's accident. He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center before being transferred to a Los Angeles hospital.

Officials don't know what caused the malfunction that ended the show at Nordoff High School about 15 minutes early.

They declined to identify the man or the pyrotechnics company. Fire and workplace safety officials are investigating the accident.

The Ojai incident was one of two serious Independence Day fireworks accidents in Ventura County. An explosion at a Simi Valley show injured several dozen people.

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