Few victims of the Maui wildfire have been identified as their remains are deteriorating rapidly.
Dozens of Unidentified Bodies Found in Devastating Maui Wildfire
Officials in Hawaii have revealed that only a fraction of the bodies recovered from the tragic Maui wildfire have been identified so far. The death toll for the blaze, which ravaged the historic town of Lahaina, has now reached 93 victims, with fears that this number could dramatically increase as hundreds of people are still missing.
During a press conference, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier explained the challenges faced in identifying the deceased victims. He described a harrowing scene where remains “fall apart” when they are picked up, making the identification process even more difficult.
Cadaver dogs sift through the ruins of Lahaina as the death toll continues to rise, making the Maui wildfires in Hawaii the deadliest the US has seen in more than a century https://t.co/3LXfq8eqmx pic.twitter.com/T4GQ0PvUOr
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 13, 2023
Chief Pelletier emphasized the need for rapid DNA testing to identify the victims due to the extreme conditions caused by the fire. While the names of the two identified victims have not been officially disclosed, a local family of four who perished in a burned-out car has been reported by Hawaii News Now.
The family’s extended statement bid farewell to their beloved parents, Faaso and Malui Fonua Tone, as well as their dear sister Salote Takafua and her son, Tony Takafua. They expressed their indescribable grief and vowed to keep their memories alive in their hearts.
While multiple blazes were reported across Maui, the wildfire that swept through Lahaina has been the deadliest, causing mass destruction and fatalities. The cause of the fires is currently under investigation, but it is believed that the dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane played a role, according to the Associated Press.
Lawyers have speculated that power lines might have ignited the fires, but Hawaiian Electric, the main energy supplier, has stated that they do not have information on the cause due to limited access to the impacted area for safety and emergency response concerns, as Bloomberg reported.
Another issue that has gained attention is the failure of warning sirens to sound off on the island, leaving many without power and cell service. Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez is leading a review into the emergency response, as reported by The New York Times and CNN.
The disaster has left hundreds, if not thousands, of people displaced, prompting efforts to find housing for the survivors. President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration, unlocking federal resources to aid in the recovery process, as stated on the White House website.
Officials estimate that thousands of structures have been damaged or destroyed, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. Hawaii Governor Josh Green described the situation as the largest natural disaster the state has ever experienced, emphasizing the long road to recovery ahead, as reported by CBS News.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...