Two Filipino sisters are among the three fatalities of a fireworks explosion in Honolulu, Hawaii during a celebration to welcome the New Year, GMA News reported.
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.
Rylan is appealing for help for his relatives who are fighting for their lives in the hospital.
