Update: Fireworks Mishap Investigation Continues

By Natalie Rivera

Updated at 11:30 a.m. July 9—Investigation into what went wrong at the Simi Valley fireworks show at which almost 30 people were injured continued Monday, according to the city's police department.

Shortly after the fireworks show began at 9 p.m., a number of fireworks detonated at ground level, launching into the crowd instead of into the air and 28 people were injured, four seriously.

While investigators have not yet completed research of the mishap, the accident should not be considered as anything criminal, according to Sgt. Craig Dungan of the Simi Valley Police Department.

"This is not a criminal event," he said. "There is no reason to think that there is any foul play here."

The New York-based company that provided the fireworks, Bay Fireworks, issued a statement saying they deeply regret what happened and they, also, will investigate the malfunction.

On Tuesday, July 9, the Ventura County Fire Department announced investigators from the CAL Fire office of the state fire marshal will take the lead for the investigation of the mishap.

A statement from the VCFD said the investigation will be looking at the entire process, from permitting ot the collection of all evidence related to the event as well as any necessary follow up.

Liaisons from the Ventura County Fire Department been provided to assist with the investigation.