Three people died Saturday morning in a vehicle crash that occurred 0.3 miles north of the Hinalani and Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway intersection in Kailua-Kona.
According to the Hawai’i Police Department, a 5:17 a.m. call led Kona Patrol officers to the scene of a crash between a Nissan pickup truck and a Kia multi-purpose vehicle.
Police determined that the Nissan was traveling north on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway when the Kia traveling south collided with it. The Kia caught fire.
A 39-year-old man driving the Nissan was taken to Kona Community Hospital and treated for his injuries.
The male driver of the Kia and his two passengers died at the scene.
Police say that a 17-year-old Kailua-Kona girl who was an additional passenger in the Kia was able to exit the vehicle. She was taken to Kona Community Hospital for treatment of her injuries.
Officials have not released the names of the driver or deceased passengers of the Kia pending positive identification.
Speed or alcohol were not immediately known to be factors. Negligent homicide investigations have been initiated by Police in connection to the crash.
Identification and the exact cause of death will be determined through autopsies that have been ordered.
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