Two men killed; 4 injured in Papaikou collision

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Two men died and four other people were injured Sunday when a pick-up truck and a sport utility vehicle collided head-on along Hawaii Belt Road near Paipakou.

The two men who died were the drivers of the vehicles involved in the crash.

Emergency crews were alerted shortly before 7:30 p.m. Sunday to the crash along Highway 19 at the Hanawi Bridge, about one mile north of Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School.

Four people – including three women – were transported to Hilo Medical Center in serious condition.

Highway 19 remains closed in the area of the accident while police conduct their investigation.

Traffic is being rerouted along Onomea Scenic Road.