News

Keiki Killed in Mauna Kea Access Road Crash Identified

Play
Listen to this Article
1 minute
Loading Audio... Article will play after ad...
Playing in :00
A
A
A

Authorities have identified the 9-year-old killed in a car crash on New Yearʻs Day on Mauna Kea Access Road as Kelsirose Adelka of Kailua-Kona.

Hawaiʻi Police Department’s traffic investigators are continuing the mechanical inspection of the truck in the incident.

The crash happened at 3:28 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, on Mauna Kea Access Road below the visitors center.

Kelsirose, who was in the back seat of the truck’s cab, was transported to HMC, were she was pronounced dead at 5:03 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

There were five occupants in the truck and an additional three in the truck’s bed at the time of the crash. All of the vehicle’s occupants sustained injuries and were transported to Hilo Medical Center for treatment and further evaluation.

The operator of the pickup truck, a 40-year-old female, and a 33-year-old male occupant, were airlifted to Queens Medical Center on O‘ahu. A 3-year-old boy was airlifted to Kapiolani Medical Center on O‘ahu in critical condition.

Investigators determined that a 2018 Toyota Tacoma traveling west on Mauna Kea Access Road appears to have lost control when the brakes did not respond. The Tacoma then crossed the roadway in a right curve and went off the left shoulder, about 100 yards, and fell into a ravine.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

At the time of the collision, the roadway was wet and it was raining.

The East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit are continuing a negligent homicide investigation, which is pending. Police ask that anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information on the incident, to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at 808-961-2339 or via email Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

Sponsored Content

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay in-the-know with daily or weekly
headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Cancel
×

Comments

This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Big Island Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments