Hawaii 24/7 Staff

A tanker truck crashed Friday afternoon in South Kohala, killing the driver and spilling thousands of gallons of fuel.

Shortly after 2 p.m., police responded to a traffic crash and determined that a tanker carrying approximately 8,400 gallons of diesel fuel was traveling in the makai direction on Kawaihae Road when it ran off the road and overturned between the 63- and 64-mile markers, spilling nearly half its load.

The driver was pinned inside the vehicle and died at the scene.

His name is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of his family.

Kawaihae Road was closed in both directions, but re-opened to traffic about 9 p.m.

Police Department personnel and Fire Department hazardous materials personnel remained on the scene, as is a replacement tanker to transfer the residual fuel.

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UPDATED, Monday, Nov. 18, 2013

A 41-year-old man died Friday afternoon (Nov. 15), in a single tractor/tanker crash in South Kohala. He was identified as Amos K. Agliam of Hilo.

Around 2:04 p.m., a 2003 Kenworth tractor pulling a tanker trailer, which was loaded with 8,402 gallons of No. 2 diesel fuel, was traveling west down a steep grade on Highway 19 (Kawaihae Road) near the 64-mile marker when it pulled onto the right paved shoulder, continued onto the unpaved shoulder and collided with a large mound of dirt and debris.

It was reported that the vehicle’s brakes were smoking.

The trailer broke loose, crushing the cab and rolling onto its right side.

The tanker was punctured, spilling between 1,500 and 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

Agliam died at the scene. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death. Alcohol and speed are not considered factors in this collision.

Kawaihae Road was closed to all traffic at 2:26 p.m. It reopened at 8:42 p.m.

Police urge anyone who witnessed the collision call Officer Thomas Koyangi at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the 24th fatality this year compared with 36 at this time last year.