2 men die in Waikoloa traffic crash
Two men died following a single-vehicle crash early today at the intersection of Waikoloa Road and the Queen Kaahumanu Highway in South Kohala.
Officers responding to a 3:25 a.m. call determined that a gray 2014 Jeep Cherokee with three men was northbound on Queen Kaahumanu Highway when it veered off of the roadway and struck a large metal traffic light post.
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The vehicle then caught fire, trapping two of the men within the vehicle. The two trapped men were transported to the Kona Community Hospital where they were later pronounced dead at 8:07 a.m.
The third vehicle occupant, a 27-year-old Honokaa man, was able to escape from the vehicle. He was taken by ambulance to North Hawaii Community Hospital for treatment and is currently listed in stable condition.
Police believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the crash.
Autopsies have been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. Positive identification is pending via dental records and contacting the next of kin.
These are the fourth and fifth traffic fatalities this year compared to seven at this time last year.
The West Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
