At Least 36 Dead in Maui Island Wildfire... Devastating Blaze Hits Hawaii

The death toll from the wildfire on Maui Island, Hawaii, USA, has risen sharply to at least 36 as of the 9th (local time).

Wildfire on Maui Island, Hawaii
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Maui County, Hawaii, announced that a total of 36 people have died due to the wildfire that occurred around Lahaina that night. Earlier, authorities had reported 6 deaths from the wildfire in the morning, but additional fatalities were discovered during firefighting efforts.

Dozens of people have also been reported injured. Among the injured are three seriously wounded individuals who were transported to Oahu Island, and at least 20 others were moved to hospitals on Maui Island, officials said.

Local media, citing reports from Maui fire authorities and the Civil Air Patrol, reported that 271 buildings were damaged or destroyed by the wildfire.

The wildfire started the previous day in the central Kula area and the western coastal tourist area of Lahaina on Maui Island. The first wildfire was reported at around 12:22 a.m. on the 8th in the central Kula area of Maui Island, followed by another wildfire reported near the coastal town of Lahaina at around 6:37 a.m.

Maui fire authorities stated that the wildfire was 100% contained on the day it started, but strong winds rekindled the remaining flames, causing the fire to spread rapidly. The wildfire in the Koloa area also spread to the central-western coastal regions such as Kihei, and it was reported that the fire even spread to the Big Island (Hawai?i Island), the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago.

Meteorological authorities believe that strong winds caused by Hurricane Dora passing near Hawaii contributed to the flames spreading across the island.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.