Three people were killed Sunday in a three-car crash on Highway 11 in Glenwood.
Responding to the 7:33 p.m. report, Hawaii Police Department officers determined that a 2016 Toyota 4Runner traveling south on the highway, crossed the double solid yellow line and struck a 2020 Jeep SUV traveling north, head-on near mile marker 18.
After the initial collision, a 2000 Volvo sedan traveling south struck the Toyota 4Runner and sustained minor damage.
The two occupants of the 2020 Jeep SUV, a male driver and front female passenger, were unresponsive at the scene and were transported to Hilo Medical Center where they were pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m. Monday.
The female driver of the 2016 Toyota 4Runner was also unresponsive at the scene and was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m. Monday.
The 72-year-old man driving the 2000 Volvo sedan suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries and later released.
The identifies of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
As a result of this traffic collision, Highway 11 was closed for six hours due to the traffic investigation and the cleaning of hazardous vehicle fluids off the roadway.
Police investigating the crash believe that inattention and speed were contributing factors.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information on this crash should contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov.