KAILUA-KONA — Three people are dead following a two-car crash on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, north of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.
The crash occurred at 6:26 a.m. at mile marker 92 when a Toyota 4Runner occupied by two men traveling north collided with a Nissan Titan, occupied by a man and woman traveling south, according to Hawaii police.
Both vehicles subsequently burst into flames.
Police say the driver of the 4Runner was passing several vehicles on the highway.
“As he completed his pass the operator lost control of his vehicle, which caused it to veer into the oncoming lane where it was then involved in a broadside collision with a 2008 Nissan Titan operated by a 37-year-old Kamuela man,” police say.
All individuals were transported to Kona Community Hospital. The three men died at the hospital and the woman from the truck is in critical condition.
Police believe speed was a factor in the crash, but it is not immediately known if alcohol was involved.
Queen Kaahumanu Highway was closed between Waikoloa Road and Kaiminani Drive until shortly before noon causing track backups and delays of more than an hour.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646 ext. 229.
These deaths put the traffic fatalities up to 15 compared to 10 this time last year.