Keokea crash injures five

Five people were injured Thursday afternoon following a multicar crash on Mamalahoa Highway near Keokea, South Kona.

Fire rescue personnel responding to a 2 p.m. report of a crash near mile marker 104 determined that a Jeep carrying five people apparently hit a telephone pole, severing it before it fell on top of the vehicle, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. Four were adults and one was a teenager.

A privately owned water truck that sustained a blown tire and damage also appeared to have been involved in the crash, according to the department. Initial reports indicated a third vehicle was involved, however, the fire department had no information available about the vehicle.

The five Jeep occupants, three people in stable condition and two with minor injuries, were transported to Kona Community Hospital.

One lane of Mamalahoa Highway remained closed while crews were on the scene. A Hawaiian Telcom spokeswoman said crews would be working to repair the pole well into the evening.