A lawsuit filed on behalf of five residents has alleged that the utility Hawaiian Electric played a major role in the tragic fire that devastated Lahaina and claimed numerous lives.
Wildfires in Maui have consumed thousands of acres and structures, and have claimed the lives of 99 people. Attorney Gerald Singleton says that Hawaiian Electric could be liable.
The wildfires in west Maui – now the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century – have claimed 110 lives, officials said. That number was expected to rise significantly, according to Hawaii Governor Josh Green.
Windswept flames traveled at extraordinary speed and devoured the historic city of Lahaina on August 8. Other fires simultaneously began to emerge throughout the region. It is believed the fire advanced at more than one mile per minute as 81 mph winds fanned the blaze.
On the same day, power utility Hawaiian Electric reported more than 30 downed power poles from the winds, a situation that some are saying caused the blaze in Lahaina.
As the death toll rises, thousands more have been displaced as flames jumped highways and consumed homes, neighborhoods and businesses.
An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, but attorney Gerald Singleton of Bond Legal believes downed power lines to be the culprit. He has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric on behalf of five plaintiffs.