UPDATED (10:47 a.m. on 2/14/2015)

Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway between Hulikoa and Hinalani Streets has re-openned in both directions as it was previously closed due to a traffic accident involving fatalities. Motorist are requested to proceed with caution and avoid this location if possible as many of the surrounding areas have backed up traffic due to the previous road closure. We request everyone’s patience and understanding in this matter.

—

By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Three people died Saturday morning (Feb 14) in a crash between a pickup truck and car on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Hwy 19) near Matsuyama Market/Kohanaiki Business Park. Police estimate the highway will remain closed until about 11:30 a.m.

Fire/rescue units responded at 5:16 a.m. for the crash and arrived to find the car engulfed in flames. One person was able to get out of the car on their own, three people were found to have perished in the car after crews put out the fire. Crews used the jaws-of-life to get the driver of the pickup truck out.

A male and female from the crash were taken by ambulances to the hospital for treatment.

Because Queen Kaahumanu Highway between Hulikoa and Hinalani Streets is closed motorists are advised to avoid the area and to use alternate routes if possible. Traffic is being detoured through Kaiminani Drive and Hinalani.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

POLICE MEDIA RELEASE

Three people died in a traffic crash Saturday morning in Kailua-Kona .3 of a miles north of the Hina Lani/Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway intersection.

Their names are being withheld pending positive identification.

In response to a 5:17 a.m. call, Kona Patrol officers determined that a Nissan pickup truck driven by a 39-year-old Kailua-Kona man was traveling north on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway when a Kia multi-purpose vehicle traveling south collided with the truck, causing the Kia to catch fire.

The driver of the truck was taken to Kona Community hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The male driver of the Kia and two of his passengers died at the scene. Another passenger, a 17-year-old Kailua-Kona girl, was able to exit the Kia. She was taken to Kona Community hospital for treatment of her injuries.

It was not immediately know if speed or alcohol were factors. Police have initiated negligent homicide investigations in connection with this crash.

Autopsies have been ordered to determine the exact cause of death and to identify the bodies.

These are the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fatalities this year, compared with three at this time last year.