Summary:
- Maui County has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric, holding them responsible for the deadly wildfire and the destruction in Lahaina.
- Witnesses and video evidence indicate that sparks from power lines, exacerbated by high winds, were responsible for igniting the fires during the passing of Hurricane.
- The unaccounted individuals list has been released, with 388 names, while the confirmed death toll stands at 115. Search and recovery efforts, including FEMA's team and Navy divers, are ongoing.
- The painstaking search of the town is being undertaken meticulously, with teams working diligently to sift through the damage inch by inch, driven by the emotional impact of the missing persons' photos.
- The tragic case of seven-year-old Tony Takafua, who lost his life in the fire despite efforts to escape with his mother, highlights the human toll of the disaster.
Maui County has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric alleging the utilities' neglect caused the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century and devastated the town of Lahaina.
Sparks from Power Lines Ignite Devastating Fires
Witness accounts and video point to sparks from power lines that ignited fires as Hurricane passed near the island chain. Maui County says the utility failed to shut off power despite exceptionally high winds and dry conditions.Unaccounted Individuals and Ongoing Search
The county of Maui has released an official list of those still unaccounted for. Three days after the FBI estimated it could be as high as 1100.388 names are on the new list. There have been 115 confirmed deaths. Navy divers continue to search the coastline for those who may have drowned. FEMA's search team is still combing through destroyed buildings. A painstaking approach is being taken to search through the entire town, inch by inch. The emotional impact of seeing the photos of the missing individuals shared by people is driving the search team's efforts.
Tragic Loss of a Child
Police have also identified a child killed in the fire, seven-year-old Tony Takafua. The family reports that he and his mother attempted to escape the flames but were unable to make it.The lawsuit reflects the devastating impact of the wildfire on Maui County, with authorities seeking accountability for the loss of lives and the extensive damage caused by the fire.