Fatality Reported in Pepe‘ekeo Accident That Closed Highway

The Hawai‘i Fire Department reported at 6:30 p.m. Saturday that one person was dead following a two-vehicle head-on collision in Pepe‘ekeo.

The accident occurred on Highway 19 around the 10 mile marker near Wai‘a‘ama Steam Bridge around 3:50 p.m. One person was injured and one person died as a result, the department stated in a news release.

When crews arrived, they found a pickup truck resting on its side with a single occupant inside. The other vehicle was also a pickup truck with severe front end damage. The victim was dead upon crews’ arrival, the department stated. The other motorist involved was transported to Hilo Medical Center.

An investigation is underway. The road reopened around 7 p.m.

Earlier story:

The Hawai‘i Police Department stated at 4:40 p.m. Saturday motorists should avoid Highway 19 at the 10 mile marker due to a traffic collision.

A vehicle crash fronting the Pepe‘ekeo Post Office has closed Highway 19 and will require a detour of traffic for the next three hours. Motorists are being detoured through the Onomea Scenic Route (Old Mamalahoa Highway).

Expect delays.