Police say a two-vehicle traffic crash on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway early Wednesday evening left four people injured, one critically.
Officers responded to a a 6:07 p.m. report of the collision, near the 9-mile marker in Hilo.
Investigators determined that a 2020 Ford Expedition sport-utility vehicle driven by a 45-year-old South Carolina man was traveling uphill when the vehicle apparently hydroplaned, spun out, and crossed the center line.
The SUV’s right-rear corner then collided with the front of a 2017 Toyota Sienna passenger van, driven by a 32-year-old Hilo man.
At the time of the collision the roadway was wet and visibility was low due to fogging.
The SUV contained five members of a family from South Carolina — the driver, his 44-year-old wife, two sons, age 15 and 22, and an 18-year-old daughter.
The driver of the Siena was alone in the van.
Three occupants of the SUV, and the van driver were taken by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of injuries and further evaluation.
The 18-year-old South Carolina woman was medivaced to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu in critical condition.
Police think a combination of speeding and wet roadways played a role in the collision, and a negligent injury investigation has been opened
Potential witnesses are asked to contact Officer Devon Manuel at (808) 935-3311 or devon.manuel@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.