More than $15,000 has been raised to support the family of a couple who died after an explosion that destroyed a Southampton apartment block.

A spokeswoman for the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda thanked members of the public for donations after the deaths of Oscar Mascarinas, 49, and his wife, Jove, 50.

They were critically injured in the blast that destroyed their home and heavily damaged the Hilltop Court apartments on the night of May 2.

Mr Mascarinas’s death was announced two days after the incident.

Police confirmed last Thursday that his wife was pronounced dead on May 10.

The association spokeswoman said: “The Filipino Association is saddened by the recent death of one of our members, Jove Mascarinas, the wife of the late Oscar Mascarinas, who died from serious injuries from the explosion at their Southampton residence.

“We thank the public for the overwhelming support and for the donations, which had reached over $15,000.

“We continue to accept donations for both Jove and Oscar and details are found on our Facebook page, the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda."

The couple were guest workers from the Philippines and Mrs Mascarinas’s work included child minding.

Her husband, a father of three, was a well-liked member of staff at Aberfeldy Nurseries, Paget, who tended plant displays in businesses across the island.

The association’s fundraising efforts began particularly for Mr Mascarinas’s children, who are still in school.

Three other people were hurt in the suspected gas explosion, which was felt by residents in surrounding parishes.

A police spokesman said last Thursday: “The investigation regarding the circumstances and cause of this tragic incident continues.”