Wailuku, Hawaii – Officials in Hawaii have revised the death toll from the devastating Maui wildfire to at least 97 people. The previous estimate of 115 deaths was adjusted after further testing revealed multiple DNA samples from some of the victims. Additionally, the number of missing individuals has decreased from 41 to 31, according to Maui Police Chief John Pelletier.
During a news conference, John Byrd, laboratory director with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, cautioned that the current death toll should be viewed as a minimum, as it’s possible that the number may rise. The process of determining the true death toll has been complicated due to the fire’s damage and the chaos as people attempted to escape. The collection of animal remains along with human remains has also added to the complexity of the situation.
As of now, 74 of the deceased have been positively identified, stated Pelletier. The Lahaina fire, which occurred on August 8, is considered the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century. The chaotic scenario during the fire saw some residents tragically losing their lives in their cars while others sought refuge in the ocean or attempted to flee to safety, leading to the reduction of much of the historic town to ash.
Dr. Jeremy Stuelpnagel, Maui County physician’s coroner, emphasized the difficulty in accurately tallying the number of deceased individuals due to the commingling of remains. Byrd further explained that the initial death count tends to be inflated, and the process eventually leads to an accurate final number, though they have not reached that point yet.
Pelletier clarified that only individuals who have had missing person reports filed for them with the Maui Police Department are included in the verified missing list. Additionally, Stuelpnagel, who wasn’t supposed to begin his new role until October, hastened his arrival from New York City to Maui following the fire.
Efforts to reunite fire victims with their families include not only DNA testing but also the participation of anthropologists and the examination of dental work and medical devices when possible. Despite the tragedy, authorities expressed hope in having a chance to identify every person who was lost and reunite them with their families.