Truck fire closes Highway 19 at Laupahoehoe

A two-vehicle traffic collision involving a tanker truck has closed Highway 19 near the 25-mile marker in Laupahoehoe, according to police.

Motorists are advised to use the alternate route via Old Mamalahoa Highway until further notice.

According to police Capt. Andrew Burian, a pickup truck veered into the lane of the tanker truck and collided with the larger truck, killing the driver of the pickup, who was alone in the truck. Burian said the fire came from the pickup and was extinguished before it could spread to the tanker.

The driver of the tanker truck sustained minor injuries and was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment.