A second victim of an explosion that gutted a Southampton apartment building earlier this month has died in hospital.

Jove Mascarinas, 50, the wife of 49-year-old Oscar Mascarinas, was critically injured in the blast that destroyed their apartment and heavily damaged the Hilltop Court apartments on the night of May 2.

Her husband’s death from the explosion was announced two days after the incident, which remains under investigation.

The powerful blast was felt by residents for miles in surrounding parishes.

The couple were guest workers from the Philippines.

Mrs Mascarinas’s work included child minding, while her husband was a well-liked member of staff at Aberfeldy Nurseries, Paget, who tended plant displays in offices and businesses in Hamilton and across the island.

Originally from the Philippines city of Baguio, on the northern island of Luzon, she worked extensively overseas, caring for children in Hong Kong and Europe.

Her husband was a father of three, and the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, a charity, has been fundraising for the family – particularly for Mr Mascarinas’s children, who are still in school.

Police have said gas could have caused the blast at the apartment complex, which injured three other people and collapsed part of the building at about 8.50pm.

A police spokesman this afternoon confirmed the woman’s death, giving “sincere condolences to her family and friends”.

Ms Mascarinas was being treated in the intensive care unit of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening.

The spokesman said a police family liaison officer was giving “ongoing support to both their families”.

“The investigation regarding the circumstances and cause of this tragic incident continues.”

He said anyone with information, even if it seemed insignificant, was urged to call 247-1744 as soon as possible.