Two Filipina sisters were among three people who reportedly lost their lives in a fireworks explosion during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Honolulu, Hawaii. The incident also left at least 20 others injured, some critically.
Carmelita Turalva Benigno and Nelly Turalva Ibarra were confirmed as fatalities by Carmelita’s nephew, Rylan Benigno, in a report by GMA News. He also revealed that several other family members, including Carmelita’s son, daughter, niece, and three-year-old grandchild, suffered burns and are currently undergoing medical treatment.
The explosion, attributed to a fireworks cluster known as a “cake,” involved multiple aerial rockets, according to local authorities.
The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Honolulu Police Department, as per GMA News. Meanwhile, a report from Hawaii News Now identified the two victims as Nelie Ibarra, 58, and Jennifer Van, 23.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to release an official statement regarding the tragedy.
