HFD Rescues Three in Highway 19 Accident

The Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to an accident on Highway 19 near the 22 mile marker by Maulua Gulch on Friday, April 27, 2018, at 1:09 p.m.

A Chevy Express van collided with a Toyota Corolla and a Hawaiian Telcom bucket truck, injuring three people.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, medics found the front driver’s-side of the Chevy van vehicle crushed into the driver’s seat area, pinning the male driver inside the vehicle.

Power extrication tools had to be utilized to free the victim, who sustained injuries.

Extrication commenced while HFD personnel checked on other parties.

Responders found the man and woman of the Toyota Corolla in stable condition. They were treated and transported to the Hilo Medical Center for further assessment and evaluation.

The driver of Hawaiian Telcom truck refused treatment.

The highway was closed to traffic in both lanes for two hours.

The crash is being investigated by the Hawai‘i Police Department.