2 Pinays among dead in Hawaii fireworks blast

MANILA, Philippines — Two of the three people who reportedly died in a New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in Honolulu, Hawaii were Filipina siblings.

The blast also injured at least 20 others.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to issue a statement, but a report by GMA News yesterday said a relative of the victims has confirmed the fatalities.

Sisters Carmelita Turalva Benigno and Nelly Turalva Ibarra were among those who reportedly died in the incident as confirmed by Carmelita’s nephew Rylan Benigno.

The report also quoted the nephew as saying that Carmelita’s son, daughter, niece and three-year-old grandchild were among those who suffered burns and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Reports also mentioned that the explosion was caused by fireworks described by authorities as a “cake” or a cluster of tubes containing up to 50 aerial rockets.

The GMA News report said the Philippine consulate general in Honolulu is monitoring the situation and is coordinating with the Honolulu Police Department.

A separate online report by hawaiinewsnow.com said the Honolulu medical examiner has identified two of the three victims killed as Nelie Ibarra, 58, and Jennifer Van, 23.