Police ID girl, 9, killed in Maunakea crash
Big Island police Wednesday evening identified the 9-year-old girl who died in a New Year’s Day crash on Mauna Kea Access Road that left seven others injured.
The girl was identified as Kelsirose Adelka of Kailua-Kona, according Hawaii Police Department. Police said an autopsy was conducted Wednesday, but provided no additional information.
Meanwhile, investigators are continuing the mechanical inspection of the truck in the incident Saturday below the Maunakea Visitor Information Station located at about the 9,000-foot elevation of Maunakea.
Adelka was riding inside a 2018 Toyota Tacoma traveling west on the steep summit road when the vehicle appears to have lost control after the brakes did not respond, according to police. The four-door pickup truck then crossed the roadway and went off the left shoulder traveling approximately 100 yards before falling into a ravine.
At the time of the crash the roadway was wet and it was raining, police said.
The girl was one of five occupants within the truck at the time of the crash; an additional three occupants were within the bed of the pickup truck. The Hawaii Fire Department said multiple victims were ejected from the vehicle.
The operator of the pick-up truck, a 40-year-old woman, and a 33-year-old man were airlifted to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu. A 3-year-old boy was airlifted in critical condition to Kapiolani Medical Center on Oahu. Four others were taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment.
Police said speed and brake failure appear to be major factors in the crash. Seatbelts were also not used.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information should contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
