Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Abené Clayton and agencies

‘Like a bomb went off’: Maui wildfires decimate historic town of Lahaina

Smoke obscures the old Lahaina courthouse on Wednesday.
Smoke obscures the old Lahaina courthouse on Wednesday. Photograph: Dustin Johnson/Reuters

Lahaina, a historic town on Maui, has been decimated, leaving residents reeling at the loss of homes, nature and human life. At least 53 people had been confirmed dead by Thursday evening. The ashy, charred landscape has been described as apocalyptic.

Richard Olsten, a helicopter pilot for a tour company, flew over the fire site on Wednesday and said Lahaina “looked like a bomb went off”.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.