Police say three people were killed in a three-car collision at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday night on Highway 11 near the 18-mile marker in Glenwood.
Traffic investigators determined that a Volcano-bound 2016 Toyota 4Runner crossed a double-solid yellow line and struck a northbound 2020 Jeep sport-utility vehicle head-on After the initial collision, a southbound 2000 Volvo sedan struck the Toyota 4Runner and sustained minor damage.
The two occupants of the Jeep, a male driver and front female passenger, were unresponsive at the scene and were transported to Hilo Medical Center. The woman driver of the 2016 Toyota 4Runner was also unresponsive at the scene and was transported to Hilo Medical Center.
All three were pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m. today, police said.
The Volvo’s driver, a 72-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was treated and released at Hilo Medical Center.
Police are withholding the identities of those killed in the crash pending positive identification and notification of their next of kin.
Autopsies have been ordered to determine the exact cause of death of the deceased individuals.
As a result of this traffic collision, Highway 11 was closed for six hours due to the traffic investigation and the cleaning of hazardous vehicle fluids from the road.
Investigators think inattention and speed are contributing factors to this crash. Police are still awaiting additional testing results to determine other potential causes of the collision.
The three deaths bring this year’s official traffic fatality count to six, compared to two traffic fatalities this same time last year. Four of the six fatalities have occurred in the past four days, police said.
A negligent homicide investigation has been opened. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information is asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.