A California woman died and two men were critically injured in a two-vehicle traffic collision in Honomu on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19) early Monday evening.
Officers responding to a 6:07 p.m. call learned that a northbound 2019 Ford pickup truck was overtaking other vehicles near the 13-mile marker when it struck a southbound 2023 Kia sedan head-on. The collision caused major damage to both vehicles and the Kia caught on fire.
The front seat passenger of the Kia sedan, a 48-year-old woman, was unresponsive at the scene and trapped within the vehicle when it caught on fire. The Hawaii Fire Department was eventually able to extinguish the fire and she was taken to Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 11:09 p.m.
The driver of the 2023 Kia sedan, a 22-year-old man, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to Hilo Medical Center prior to being flown to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu for further treatment.
The occupants of the Kia were related and visiting from California. The identity of the deceased 48-year-old woman is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
An autopsy has been requested to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver of the Ford pickup truck, a 35-year-old Papaaloa man, was initially unresponsive at the scene. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center via ambulance where he was listed in stable condition. However, due to his injuries he will be flown to The Queen’s Medical Center for further treatment.
A negligent homicide investigation has been launched. Police believe that both speed and impairment were primary factors in the crash.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2391 or Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the seventh official traffic fatality of 2024 compared to five at this same time last year.