HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) - Two people were killed in a fire at a residential building in Hilo early Saturday morning that also claimed several homes.

The blaze was reported at around 4 a.m. at a housing complex known as the “old poi factory,” west of the Waiakea Villas water department complex and across from Hilo Shopping Center.

Resident Liza Arias and her brother Ralph were traumatized by the tragedy, which destroyed their home.

“When I was leaving, my friend’s mom was in the top building right there. She was yelling for my name to help her, but I couldn’t help her. I couldn’t help her,” Liza Arias said while fighting back tears.

“I’m just still in shock that we lost everything, you know. I just feel sorry for my friend’s mom that stayed in that building,” Ralph Arias added.

The Aria

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