Fundraisers have been launched to support the families of the three people killed and those injured in a New Year’s illegal-fireworks explosion, in what officials have called a mass casualty event.

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.

A New Year's Eve fireworks explosion in a Honolulu -area neighborhood killed at least three people and critically injured at least 20 others, authorities said. "It looked like a war zone," said Honolulu Fire Chief Sheldon K. Hao.