California teen killed during backyard firework display after device he was handling exploded

California authorities found a dangerous, illegal 357-shot ‘Cash Game 357’ firework, but its role in the blast is unclear

A teenager in California was killed after a fireworks device exploded as he handled it in the backyard of a home in South Los Angeles, authorities said.

Police and paramedics arrived at a house around 9 p.m. on Wednesday in the Vermont Knolls neighborhood after witnesses heard a blast and saw smoke from a backyard.

The 17-year-old, whose identity has not been released, was reportedly handling the firework when it went off accidentally.

Officials discovered him with critical injuries. ​​He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No other injuries were reported.

A 17-year-old in California died after a firework he was holding accidentally detonated (Getty/iStock)

Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the blast, though early indications from the Los Angeles Police Department suggest it involved a malfunctioning homemade or high-powered firework.

At the scene, authorities found a box labeled "Cash Game 357," a 357-shot aerial firework “cake” or “repeater” known for producing a long, continuous display of aerial effects. It is unclear if it caused the blast.

This type of device is considered both dangerous and illegal under California law.

A bomb squad was called in to assist with the investigation and to secure the remaining fireworks and debris.

Early Thursday morning, around 6 a.m., the squad conducted a controlled detonation after discovering additional explosive materials on the property, Fox 11 reports.

Nationwide, around five people, often children, are killed by fireworks each year, according to MySafeLA . On average, 9,100 fireworks injuries send people to hospitals.