A medical examiner has identified two of the three people killed in Hawaii’s New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion. Although the third victim’s name is yet unknown, family members claim she is the sister of one of the deceased.
PEOPLE can confirm that Nelie Ibarra, 58, and Jennifer Van, 23, were slain in the incident at a house in Honolulu’s Aliamanu area that claimed three lives and injured more than twenty.
“In both cases, the reason and manner of death are marked as pending. There is currently no other information available. In a later update, the Department of the Medical Examiner will reveal the identity of a third deceased person, according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE.
According to a statement from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the explosion was “caused by what appears to be illegal fireworks.”
During a press conference on Thursday, January 2, Hawaii Governor Josh Green referred to the explosion as a “cake bomb,” which is a euphemism for a homemade explosive device. Referring to the area as a “war zone,” Green stated that “people had traumatic injuries so badly that brain material was across the sidewalk from the ferocity of the explosion.”
The third fatality is his aunt Lita, according to a verifiable GoFundMe made by Rylan Benigno, even though her identity has not been made public.
“While information is limited, we can confirm that our beloved auntie Lita has passed away, Junior (her son) also sustained extensive fire-related injuries, her 3-year-old grandson has suffered the most extensive injuries with most of his body burned, and Charmaine (her daughter) is currently in the ICU with burns beyond recognition,” according to the website.
“Cedric (son), his girlfriend and their four children were able to escape with minor to moderate injuries, however, parts of their home and many of their belongings they resided in perished in the explosion,” according to the account.
Nelie and Lita are described as sisters in another GoFundMe that was made by Sheena Turalva. Turalva said that she was their niece. Two ladies, who authorities claim both perished at the site, have also been identified as sisters by the Daily Mail and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
“We are concentrating on helping those who survived the catastrophe and getting better from their injuries as we attempt to cope with this devastating loss. The GoFundMe says, “As we navigate this challenging and painful time, the emotional, physical, and financial toll on our family is overwhelming.”
According to a GoFundMe page created by Tammy Van for Jennifer, the third victim, the 23-year-old’s “infectious and outgoing personality touched many people, especially with her loud mouth and kindness.”
To keep informed about the best that PEOPLE has to offer, from captivating human interest stories to juicy celebrity news, subscribe to their free daily newsletter.
“She was a devoted sister, daughter, and friend who selflessly supported our family financially and emotionally, especially through our most difficult times,” the website states.
