Flames raced through a neighborhood in West Maui, forcing residents to flee in their cars. However, many were turned back by a barricade blocking access to the main road. Some found alternate routes to safety, while others were trapped on a narrow road surrounded by fire.
The road closures and other factors contributed to making this the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in over a century. Various issues, including downed power lines and a lack of emergency alerts, added to the chaos. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full details of the response to the disaster.
