One Dead Following Ukupalakua Home Fire
Maui Fire personnel recovered the charred remains of a female at a home fire in Ulupalakua early Saturday morning, October 10, 2009.
Preliminary reports indicate no foul play, however investigators from the Fire and Police departments are investigating the incident to determine if it was criminal or suspicious in nature.
Authorities say the deceased is believed to be a visitor from Washington staying overnight at the home. Her body was found during the clean-up and dousing of the remaining hot spots at the Kini Drive home. Her identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
A male was also injured in the incident, suffering 40% burn trauma to his body. The male was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center and later flown to the burn unit at Straub Hospital on Oahu for further treatment.
A third occupant escaped the fire uninjured.
The fire was first reported at 1:13 a.m. and had fully engulfed the 1,000 square foot, single story structure upon the arrival of firefighters. Fire crews from Kula and Makawao responded to the blaze, along with a Hazmat crew, Tanker and Rescue crew from the Kahului station. The fire was brought under control by 2:17 a.m.
Maui Fire Department and Police Arson investigators estimate damages of $110,000 to the dwelling and $30,000 to its contents. The incident and its cause remain under investigation.
(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the County of Maui)