Update: A 3 year-old victim, Cassius Ramos-Benigno, has been identified as the fourth fatality from this incident.
Just before midnight, a New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in Honolulu led to the death of at least three people, and critically injured over 20 other individuals, including children. The three individuals who died have been identified as 23 year-old Jennifer Van, 58 year-old Nelie Ibarra, and 61 year-old Carmelita Benigno.
According to authorities, the incident was caused by a fireworks “cake” containing around 50 illegal aerial rockets, which tipped over and fired into a carport that contained more fireworks, setting them off as well.
The explosion caused at least 20 nearby individuals to suffer serious injuries with burns covering much of their bodies. A few burned individuals, identified as Abbey, Tommy, Melissa and Kevin, and Charmaine Benigno, have had friends and family set up GoFundMe accounts to support them in their recovery.
According to family members, Abbey’s body is nearly 70% burned, and she will be transferred to a burn facility in Arizona.
Tommy’s loved ones say he is more than 60% burned and will also be transferred to a burn facility in Arizona.
Melissa and Kevin, a married couple with a 3-month-old son, were both severely burned. Kevin sustained grave injuries and is hospitalized while Melissa will be flown to the mainland for medical care.
Charmaine Benigno, a mother of two young boys, was injured in the explosion and requires extensive medical care.
The Dangers of Illegal Aerial Fireworks
Aerial fireworks in Hawaii have been banned, statewide for 25 years, unless they are conducted as official public displays.
Fireworks, especially illegal or improperly handled ones, can pose significant dangers that lead to life-altering injuries, property destruction, and loss of life. The tragic explosion in Honolulu on New Year’s Eve underscores these risks, including:
- Risk of severe injuries – fireworks can lead to serious burns and loss of extremities and limbs
- Loss of life – huge explosions caused by the mishandling of fireworks can lead to death, as seen in the tragic New Year’s Eve event
- Fire hazards – fireworks are highly flammable, and an accidental ignition can cause devastating chain reactions and may lead to house fires and wildfires
- Public safety risks – due to their explosive nature, fireworks put not only those who are handling them at risk but those nearby them at risk of injury also
“No family should have to endure the pain caused by someone else’s negligence when it comes to illegal fireworks,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber, “The lives of all involved in this tragic incident will be forever changed.
“The victims and their families deserve justice and could consider contacting a personal injury law firm to learn more about their options.”
Legal Action Available to Victims and Their Families
Victims of fireworks accidents may have legal recourse, depending on the details of the incident uncovered by officials you may be able to pursue the following legal action:
- Personal injury claims – for those who suffered burns, disfigurement, or other injuries
- Wrongful death claims – for the families who lost their loved ones in the incident
Damages for these claims may include compensation for:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Funeral and burial expenses, in cases of wrongful death
- Emotional turmoil
- And more
If you have lost a loved one in a firework explosion or have been injured in one, call Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Call us at (808) 582-8062 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule your free consultation.
