Man killed in July 4 fireworks explosion in Montebello is identified
![Spent fireworks from the Fourth of July litter a street](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8ccfc9a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1200x800!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F26%2F73%2F0ee2ddb34ac2a10f48663daf3ef3%2F1155013-me-0705-fireworks-death-003-ik.jpg)
Authorities have identified a man who was killed in a fireworks explosion in Montebello during a Fourth of July celebration.
Zorak Habeshian, 42, of Downey, died after the incident that occurred about 6:30 p.m. Monday in the 1400 block of Germain Drive, according Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
Habeshian was handling a suspected “high-powered, mortar-type, aerial firework,” which was illegal in the city, when it exploded, authorities said. Habeshian was found unconscious with serious injuries lying in the yard of a home.
Local fire, police and paramedics arrived at the scene and Habeshian was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
“The victim apparently attempted to hold the device when the firework went off and caused severe trauma to his upper torso,” said Michael Chee, a city spokesman.
The fatal incident occurred despite repeated attempts from Los Angeles-area officials to curb illegal fireworks. Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer’s office issued cease-and-desist letters to online platforms advertising fireworks sales in Los Angeles. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez also held a firework buyback program in her San Fernando Valley-based district.
“This tragic accident and death was avoidable and serves as an unfortunate and grim reminder of the danger posed by illegal and high-power fireworks,” Chee told City News Service.
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