Wildfire roars through Hawaii’s historic Lahaina
At least 36 people have died and 11,000 have been evacuated, as wildfires devastate the historic town of Lahaina in Hawaii.
Fanned by winds from a faraway hurricane, multiple neighbourhoods have been burned to the ground.
Thousands were told to evacuate as officials confirmed widespread devastation to Lahaina, its harbour and surrounding areas.
Once bustling with people, now the streets are populated with burnt-out cars. Adults and children were forced to dive into the ocean, seeking safety as flames ravaged through the night.
Flyovers conducted by the US Civil Air Patrol and the Maui Fire Department reported that approximately 271 structures were damaged or destroyed.
“We just had the worst disaster I’ve ever seen. All of Lahaina is burnt to a crisp. It’s like an apocalypse,” said Lahaina resident Mason Jarvi.
Helicopter pilot Richard Olsten told Hawaii News Now: “It’s like an area was bombed. It’s like a war zone.”
