Authorities on Hawai‘i Island are investigating a fatal fire that destroyed a Hilo lodging establishment early morning yesterday. Emergency crews responded to the 100 block of Puueo Street around 2:00 a.m. and found the building fully engulfed, with parts already collapsed. Witnesses reported seeing the roof on fire, and while eight rooms were occupied, two people were initially unaccounted for, according to the Hawai‘i Police Department.
The blaze caused an estimated $1,402,100 in damages, completely consuming the structure. A 34-year-old manager confirmed that only two occupants were missing at the time. After the fire was extinguished, firefighters located a severely burned body, and the search continues for the second missing person. The victim’s identity and the cause of the fire remain under investigation.
Police have opened a coroner’s inquest and fire investigation to determine the cause of death and the origin of the fire. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Robert Kamau at (808) 961-2384 or email [email protected]. Tips may also be provided through the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
An autopsy is scheduled later this week to confirm the victim’s identity and determine the cause of death.
