Police investigating the traffic collision have determined that a 2016 Toyota 4Runner traveling south, (Volcano bound), on Highway 11, crossed the double solid yellow line and struck a 2020 Jeep SUV traveling north, (Hilo bound), head-on. After the initial collision, a 2000 Volvo sedan traveling south struck the Toyota 4Runner and sustained minor damage.
The two occupants of the 2020 Jeep SUV, a male driver and front female passenger, were unresponsive at the scene and were transported to Hilo Medical Center where they were pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m.
The female driver of the 2016 Toyota 4Runner was also unresponsive at the scene and was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m.
The 72-year-old male operator of the 2000 Volvo sedan sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries and later released.
The deceased will remain unidentified pending positive identification and notification of their next of kin. Autopsies have been ordered to determine the exact cause of death of the deceased individuals.
As a result of this traffic collision, Highway 11 was closed for six hours due to the traffic investigation and the cleaning of hazardous vehicle fluids off the roadway.
Police investigating the incident believe that inattention and speed are contributing factors in this traffic collision. Police are still awaiting additional testing results to determine other potential causes of the collision.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information on this incident to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov.
This traffic collision resulted in the sixth traffic fatality this year compared to two traffic fatalities this same time last year. Four of the six fatalities have occurred in the past four days.