Highway reopens following multi-vehicle crash in North Kona

KAILUA-KONA — Four people were hospitalized Tuesday morning following a multi-vehicle wreck at the entrance of the Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai in North Kona.

The crash, which occurred at 8:52 a.m. at the intersection of Kaupulehu Drive and Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19), involved a semi-trailer and two other vehicles, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

The semi-trailer carrying a Matson container was headed southbound on the highway when a Jeep, leaving Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai, and turning left to head northbound collided with the semi-trailer, according to the Hawaii Fire Department.

Fire officials said the semi-trailer swerved to avoid the Jeep but collided with the smaller vehicle, which then fish-tailed the trailer spinning the truck and trailer 180 degrees. The semi-trailer apparently struck an SUV before overturning on its side.

Four people were sent to area hospitals. A 24-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the Jeep, the 54-year-old driver of the semi-trailer and the 62-year-old driver of the state vehicle were transported to North Hawaii Community Hospital. The driver of the Jeep, a 25-year-old man, was taken in serious condition via helicopter to Kona Community Hospital.

Hawaii Police reopened the road about 3:15 p.m.