Honolulu, Hawaii – Tragedy struck on New Year’s Eve in Hawaii as a sixth individual has succumbed to injuries sustained in a fireworks explosion, officials reported. The latest victim, a 30-year-old woman whose identity remains undisclosed, passed away at a local hospital just before 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
The fatal explosion, caused by illegal fireworks, left over 20 people injured. Initially, three individuals, identified as 61-year-old Carmelita Benigno, 58-year-old Nelie Ibarra, and 23-year-old Jennifer Van, lost their lives in the incident. A fourth victim, 3-year-old Cassius Ramos-Benigno, also tragically succumbed to injuries on January 6.
Six survivors were airlifted to Arizona for specialized burn treatment at the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center Valleywise Health. Unfortunately, one of the patients, 29-year-old Kevin Vallesteros, passed away on January 28. Meanwhile, four patients remained under the care of the Straub Benioff Medical Center in Honolulu.
Following the investigation, Honolulu Police have arrested 10 suspects in connection with the incident, with additional arrests anticipated. Authorities recovered approximately 500 pounds of unused illegal fireworks from the carport and vehicles associated with individuals present at the gathering. The community continues to mourn the lives lost in this tragic event that serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of illegal fireworks.