Loved ones of victims injured in fireworks explosion seek help in long roads to recovery

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Loved ones of some of the victims who were severely injured in a tragic fireworks explosion at a New Year’s Eve celebration in Aliamanu are asking for help as they fight for their lives.

Authorities said a fireworks “cake” with roughly 50 illegal aerial rockets in it tipped over and fired into a carport that set off more fireworks inside.

RELATED STORY: 3 dead, dozens injured in massive illegal fireworks explosion in Aliamanu

Three women were killed. Many others had critical injuries with burns over much of their bodies.

As loved ones begin to share more details about the victims, Hawaii News Now will continue to update this story and provide more information on how the public can help support them.

Melissa and Kevin

Family members identified two of the victims who were injured as Melissa and Kevin.

They said Kevin sustained “grave” injuries and is currently hospitalized. However, Melissa will need to be flown to the mainland for medical care because there are no available beds in the burn unit.

Melissa and Kevin have a 3-month-old son, who is being taken care of by family members.

Donations will go to Melissa’s mother to support the couple’s son as well as medical expenses.

Click here for their GoFundMe page.

Charmaine Benigno

Another victim, Charmaine Benigno, a mother of two young boys, was also severely injured in the explosion.

Her family said she will require extensive medical care.

All donations will go to her boyfriend, Jacob, to support their sons and her medical expenses once she returns home.

Click here to donate.

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