A structure fire broke out late Sunday night in the 17-4400 block of Huina Road in Mountain View, Upper Puna. The fire started around 11:13 p.m. and destroyed a single-family home. A 79-year-old man who lived there tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher but could not stop it. He was unable to call 911 from inside the house and went to a neighbor for help. When he returned, he could not find his 76-year-old wife, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
After the fire was put out, firefighters found a severely burned body in the home. The identity of the person has not been confirmed. An autopsy is scheduled later this week to find out the cause of death. The house, valued at about $224,000, and all belongings inside were destroyed in the fire. The police and fire department are still investigating, as reported by the Hawaii Police Department.
The Hawaii Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section and fire inspectors are investigating a fire in Upper Puna, currently classified as both a fire and a coroner's inquest. Detective Daniel Tam of the Hawaii Police Department is leading the case and urges anyone with information to contact him at (808) 961-2380 or [email protected]. Tipsters may also call the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. The cause and full impact of the incident remain under investigation.
