Two of the three victims of the fatal New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in Hawaii have been identified by a medical examiner. The identity of the third victim has not yet been released, but relatives say she is the sister of one of those killed.
PEOPLE can confirm that 58-year-old Nelie Ibarra and 23-year-old Jennifer Van were killed in the incident that left three people dead and over 20 others injured at a home in the Aliamanu neighborhood of Honolulu.
“The cause and manner of death in both cases are listed as pending. No additional information is available at this time. The identity of a third decedent has not yet been confirmed and will be released by the Department of the Medical Examiner in a subsequent update,” a press release shared with PEOPLE read.
Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement that the explosion was “caused by what appears to be illegal fireworks.”
Hawaii governor Josh Green described the explosive used as a “cake bomb” — a term for a homemade explosive device, in a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 2. Green described the scene as a “war zone,” saying, “People had traumatic injuries so badly that brain material was across the sidewalk from the ferocity of the explosion.”
Although the third victim has not been publicly identified, a verified GoFundMe created by Rylan Benigno has identified her as his aunt Lita.
“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,” the GoFundMe states.
“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,” the description adds.
Another GoFundMe, created by Sheena Turalva, describes Nelie and Lita as sisters. Turalva identified herself as their niece. The Daily Mail and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser also have identified two women — who authorities say both died at the scene — as sisters.
“As we try to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, we are also focused on supporting those who survived the incident and recovering from their injuries. The emotional, physical, and financial toll on our family is overwhelming as we navigate this difficult and painful time,” the GoFundMe explains.
A GoFundMe setup by Tammy Van for the third victim, Jennifer, said the 23-year-old had an “infectious and outgoing personality touched many people, especially with her loud mouth and kindness.”
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“She was a devoted sister, daughter, and friend who selflessly supported our family financially and emotionally, especially through our most difficult times,” the GoFundMe adds.
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