Chaos and terror: Failed communications left Maui residents trapped by fire. Scores died

A large banyan tree remains standing amid widespread destruction in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Thursday. The blaze began burning homes in that upper area, Maui County Fire Chief Brad Ventura said. "It's all gone," Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said. After nightfall, conditions had deteriorated so much that Maui County urged all West Maui residents to shelter in place unless they were "in an impacted area." "Nobody saw this coming," Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier said at a news conference late Thursday.