Owner of Esparto Fireworks Company Arrested at Disney World

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Kenneth Chee, the CEO of a California-based fireworks company, Devastating Pyrotechnics, was arrested at Disney World's Hollywood Studios. Chee now faces charges including seven counts of murder tied to a catastrophic explosion at his Esparto facility that killed seven employees. The incident has raised questions about the fragility of safety nets in industries dealing with hazardous materials and the need for stricter enforcement of regulations.

Why it matters

The Esparto explosion was not just a local tragedy, but a wake-up call about the lack of accountability in the fireworks industry. Chee's company had already been fined over $200,000 for workplace safety violations, yet the operation continued, exposing the failure of the system to protect workers. This case highlights the gaps in cross-agency communication and the need for stricter background checks in industries with high-risk materials.

The details

In July, a massive explosion at Chee's Esparto facility killed seven employees. Chee, a Bay Area optometrist with a prior violent felony conviction, was ineligible for a federal explosives permit, yet he managed to build a fireworks empire in California by leveraging state-level licenses while avoiding federal scrutiny. The arrest at Disney World is seen as a symbolic disruption of the 'Happiest Place on Earth' narrative, forcing a confrontation with the real-world consequences of negligence.

• The July 1 explosion that killed seven employees wasn't just a local tragedy—it was a wake-up call.
• Chee's company, Devastating Pyrotechnics, had already been fined over $200,000 for workplace safety violations.
• Chee was arrested at Disney World's Hollywood Studios on April 11, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kenneth Chee out on bail.