2 Filipino sisters among dead in Honolulu fireworks blast, family member says

NEW YORK — Two Filipino sisters are among the three fatalities of a fireworks explosion in Honolulu, Hawaii during a celebration to welcome the New Year, a family member has confirmed.

The sisters are Carmelita Turalva Benigno and Nelly Turalva Ibarra, the former's nephew Rylan Benigno told GMA Integrated News.

According to Rylan, Carmelita's son, daughter, niece, and three-year-old grandchild suffered burns and are currently receiving hospital treatment.

The explosion was caused by a firework described by authorities as a "cake"—a cluster of tubes containing up to 50 aerial rockets.

This tragedy is considered the worst fireworks-related incident in Hawaii in 14 years.

A report on Unang Balita on Friday said more than 30 people were hurt in the blast. Authorities have yet to release the names or total number of those who were injured.

Call for help

Rylan is appealing for help for his relatives who are fighting for their lives in the hospital.

In a message to GMA Integrated News, Rylan requested prayers and financial support not only for his family but also for all victims of the tragedy.

The victims' family has set up a GoFundMe page to seek public assistance in covering the medical expenses of their loved ones who remain in critical condition.

Investigation ongoing

Responding to a request for comment by GMA Integrated News, the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu said it is coordinating with the Honolulu police to determine if any Filipinos were affected by the incident.

"The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu has been monitoring the situation since the firecracker incident in Honolulu's Salt Lake neighborhood occurred," the consulate said.

"We are coordinating with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) to determine if any Filipino nationals have been affected in the incident. HPD informed the Consulate that, since the case is still under investigation, information cannot be disclosed on the identities of the victims," it added.

Although it has yet to receive information about Filipino casualties, the consulate assured that it was monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide assistance.

"To date, the Consulate has not received reports of Filipinos who died or were injured in the incident, nor have we received requests for assistance from affected Filipinos," it said.

Meanwhile, Unang Balita quoted the Office of the Honolulu Mayor as saying that stricter measures will be put in place to prevent the entry of illegal fireworks and firecrackers. — VDV/KG, GMA Integrated News