Maui Death Toll Rises To 111, Around 1000 Still Missing

tnews August 17, 2023 1 min read

Hawaii News Now reports:

The Lahaina wildfire death toll increased by five on Wednesday — to 111 — more than a week after flames ripped through the historic town. Meanwhile, Maui continued to slowly release the names of those who have perished. Three more victims, all elderly, were identified on Wednesday and authorities said positive IDs were made on others.

Gov. Josh Green bristled at suggestions that there is growing distrust and frustration to government’s response to the wildfire, suggesting those are rumors being spread on social media. And Maui’s Emergency Management officials pushed back against questions over why sirens weren’t sounded, saying that could have worsened the situation by prompting people to flee toward the flames.

Authorities have repeatedly said it’s not clear how many were killed in the fire. But the number of people unaccounted for has stubbornly remained at about 1,000 people, suggesting that the death toll will almost undoubtedly increase.

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