Seven people missing after blast at fireworks warehouse in California

Explosion caused huge blaze that led to spot fires, collapsed a building, forced evacuations and cut power

Authorities are searching for seven people who are unaccounted for after an explosion at a fireworks warehouse in rural northern California sent thick plumes of black smoke into the air and forced evacuations, the California department of forestry and fire protection (Cal Fire) said on Wednesday.

The Tuesday evening blast, which set off a barrage of fireworks and caused a huge blaze that led to other spot fires and collapsed a building near Esparto, also resulted in power outages. People in the farming community about 40 miles (64km) north-west of Sacramento have been urged to avoid the area for several days.