One person was killed late Monday after their vehicle burst into flames following a crash on Highway 190 in North Kona.
One person was killed late Monday after their vehicle burst into flames following a crash on Highway 190 in North Kona.
Responding to a 10:55 p.m. report, fire rescue personnel arrived at the scene near mile marker 16 to find a badly damaged vehicle on fire within a 3/4-acre brush fire on the makai side of the highway, according to the Hawaii County Fire Department.
After extinguishing the blaze, fire rescue personnel located one victim within the vehicle. No other victims were located following a search of the surrounding area, according to the department.
Police said Tuesday morning the vehicle was a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that had been traveling south on the highway when it ran off of the road and overturned, catching fire near mile marker 16.
Speed and alcohol were likely factors in the crash, police said. The highway was closed while police investigated the crash. Traffic was detoured via Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, as well as to identify the victim.
Officers from the Traffic Enforcement Unit have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call Officer Christopher Kapua-Allison or Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229.
This is the 11th traffic fatality this year compared with seven at this time last year.