HONOLULU (KHNL/Gray News) – Authorities in Hawaii are sharing further details into what sparked a deadly fireworks explosion on New Year’s Eve.
A fireworks “cake” that had about 50 illegal aerial rockets in it tipped over that evening in the Salt Lake neighborhood of Honolulu, authorities said.
Those cake rockets then fired into a nearby carport and set off more fireworks.
Three people died and more than 20 people were transported to area hospitals in critical to serious condition, Honolulu first responders said.
The loved ones of some of the victims who were severely injured are asking for help as they fight for their lives.
Family members identified two of the victims who were injured as Melissa and Kevin.
They said Kevin sustained “grave” injuries and is currently hospitalized while Melissa will need to be flown to the mainland for medical care due to a shortage of beds in the burn unit.
Melissa and Kevin have a 3-month-old son who is being taken care of by family members. The family has since started a GoFundMe.
Charmaine Benigno also been identified by loved ones as another victim in the fireworks explosion that evening.
Family members said she was severely injured and currently remains in the hospital. They said Benigno is a mother to two young boys.
“Charmaine is currently in the hospital fighting for her life. She has sustained severe injuries and will require extensive medical care and a very long road to recovery,” Krysten Gennuso shared through a GoFundMe.
Hawaii authorities did not immediately release the names of those killed.
Copyright 2025 KHNL via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.