Investigation Reveals Authorities' Mistakes Contributed to High Fatalities in Lahaina Wildfire

Miscommunication and road closures by Maui Police during Lahaina wildfire led to trapped residents, despite power lines being deactivated, contributing to the death toll of 99 in the deadliest wildfire in modern US history.

• The Lahaina wildfire, the deadliest in modern US history, resulted in 99 fatalities, many of whom were trapped in their cars due to road closures by Maui Police.
• Despite Hawaiian Electric confirming that power lines were deactivated, Maui Police blocked many roads to prevent people from driving near downed power lines, contributing to the congestion and confusion during the evacuation.
• Police bodycam footage reveals officers on the ground were baffled and frustrated by the road closures, questioning why cars were not moving and expressing concern about the decisions made by their colleagues.
• Many residents, trapped by the fire and unable to escape due to the road closures, were forced to seek refuge in the sea, waiting for hours before being rescued by firefighters.
• Survivors and witnesses, including those who lost family members in the fire, blame the authorities for the high death toll, stating that the road closures contributed to the casualties and that better preparation and response were needed.

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