Possible Rewrite: “Maui Wildfires: FBI Uncovers Evidence Compromise as Hundreds Remain Missing; Electric Company Acknowledges Potential Link to Blaze Origin”

Maui Wildfires: Hundreds Still Missing as FBI Vets Names

The devastating wildfires that tore through Maui earlier this month have left hundreds of people unaccounted for, according to the latest information provided by Maui County. The FBI, which is currently vetting the names, has released a “validated list” that includes 388 names. However, authorities have acknowledged that this list is a subset of a larger one and that the number of missing individuals is expected to change as more information becomes available.

The wildfires, which have been described as the deadliest in the US in over 100 years, have claimed the lives of at least 115 people. The FBI has been using cell phone data to help pinpoint the whereabouts of the victims at the time of the fire. As the investigation continues, the state’s main electrical utility, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), has come under scrutiny for potentially compromising evidence related to the cause of the fire. Maui County officials have joined others in suing the company over its responsibility for the fire.

The list of missing individuals was released in the hopes of confirming anyone who is not truly still lost. Police Chief John Pelletier emphasized that the release of the names is an important step in the investigation and that it may cause pain for those whose loved ones are listed. Since the release of the list, authorities have received hundreds of calls and they plan to provide weekly updates to help notify the public.

The FBI, along with other agencies, has been working to unduplicate the list of missing people and has collaborated with a team specializing in cellular analysis to help identify potential fire victims. The team can analyze cell phone company subscriber records and cellular tower registration data to geolocate the last known area where a victim’s cell phone was operating. While the focus remains on identifying the missing, investigators are also trying to determine the cause of the fire. HECO has admitted that evidence potentially crucial to the investigation may have been compromised.

In response to a class action lawsuit, HECO stated that fallen power poles, power lines, and other equipment were moved during firefighting efforts and as officials worked to make the area safe for residents. It is possible that evidence relating to the cause of the fire may have been lost due to these actions. The ATF’s National Response Team has been deployed to Hawaii to help determine the cause and origin of the fire.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but it is believed to have started near a power substation where a downed power line was reported. The class action lawsuit alleges that HECO failed to deenergize power lines ahead of the fire despite high wind and red flag warnings. HECO has stated that it is cooperating with authorities and attorneys representing those affected by the wildfires, providing them with inventories and access to the removed equipment.

As the investigation and search for missing individuals continue, the focus remains on bringing closure to the families affected by this tragic event. The release of the list of missing individuals is a step towards that goal, as authorities work diligently to gather information and determine the cause of the devastating Maui wildfires.

Original article: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/25/us/maui-wildfires-friday/index.html

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-26 04:27:00