Why were their escape routes blocked as they were trapped by the Maui fire?

A deadly wildfire in the town of Lahaina resulted in at least 99 fatalities, making it the deadliest wildfire in modern US history. A BBC investigation has revealed the difficulties encountered in escaping the fire and the mistakes made by authorities. The fire spread rapidly, leaving little time for residents to evacuate. Limited evacuation options, closed roads, and heavy traffic led to chaos and confusion. Many roads were blocked due to downed power lines and the fear of electrocution. However, it was later revealed that the power had actually been switched off, rendering the road closures unnecessary. Police bodycam footage and witness accounts highlight the confusion on the ground and the desperate attempts to rescue stranded individuals. Some roads were closed due to fallen utility poles, but there were concerns about the effectiveness of these closures. Survivors described the terrifying ordeal and the devastating loss of life. Many blame the closed roads for contributing to the high number of casualties. Authorities acknowledge the lack of preparation and the need for better response in the future. While some believe the road closures were a mistake, others think they were made with good intentions. The tragic incident has left the community shattered, with many homes and lives lost.