Authorities have confirmed deaths in the wildfires decimating a popular tourist island in Hawaii, with 911 reception and other communications cut and hospitals overwhelmed.
It is also understood a number of people with burns and inhalation issues have been airlifted to hospitals outside of Maui for better treatment.
Other trapped residents desperately called 911 for help but could not be connected as the intense heat had knocked out mobile services and hindered communications. Terrifying videos shared to social media has shown people desperately jumping in cars to speed away from the flames being fanned by winds of up to 80km/h.
"Even as of this morning, planes were landing on Maui with tourists. This is not a safe place to be," she said. "It came through with such ferocity and burnt so quickly in a matter of hours, pretty much all of Lahaina is gone. It got so hot even the harbour has burnt the boats to the waterline. There is people driving through... they barely escaped," he said.
Maui local and businessowner Clint Hansen told Sky News Australia homes and shopfronts burnt to the ground in a matter of hours due to the ferocity of the flames. Picture: Supplied
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Six killed in Hawaii as wildfires force people to flee into oceanWildfires in Hawaii burn multiple structures and force evacuations from popular tourist areas, as rescuers pull a dozen people escaping smoke and flames from the ocean.
Read more »
At least six people dead in Hawaii as wildfires force people to flee into oceanBREAKING: At least six people have died in raging wildfires tearing through parts of Hawaii. Some people were forced to flee into the ocean to escape, with many homes and businesses destroyed. 9News DETAILS:
Read more »
At least six people dead in Hawaii as wildfires force people to flee into oceanThe wildfires torching the idyllic Hawaiian island are raging out of control, but the true scope of devastation remains unknown.
Read more »
Six injured in attack starting at McDonald’s drive-thru7NEWS: Six people injured in double attack that started at McDonald’s drive-through in Tasmania’s north
Read more »