Dozens reported dead in Hawaii wildfires

The flames forced some to jump into the ocean. Pic/AP

Thousands of Hawaii residents raced to escape homes on Maui as blazes swept across the island, destroying parts of a centuries-old town and killing at least 36 people in one of the deadliest US wildfires in recent years.

The fire took the island by surprise, leaving behind burned-out cars on once busy streets and smoking piles of rubble where historic buildings had stood in Lahaina Town, which dates to the 1700s and has long been a favorite destination for tourists. Crews battled blazes in several places on the island on Wednesday, and the flames forced some adults and children to flee into the ocean.

At least 36 people have died, according to a statement from Maui County late on Wednesday that said no other details were available. Officials said earlier that 271 structures were damaged or destroyed and dozens of people injured. As the fires rage, tourists were advised to stay away. About 11,000 visitors flew out of Maui on Wednesday, with at least 1,500 expected to leave on Thursday, according to the state transportation director.

36
No of people who lost their lives so far

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