Hawai‘i Island became the scene of tragedy Thursday morning when a collision claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl from Waikoloa and left three other teens with serious injuries. The crash occurred at the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway and Waikoloa Road, according to a media release from the Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD).
The details provided by the Hawai‘i Police Department state that a 17-year-old was driving a silver 2022 Chevrolet Spark sedan about to make a left turn onto Māmalahoa Highway when it was struck by a 2018 Peterbilt tractor-trailer traveling south, that was hauling 5,000 gallons of water. The police arrived at the scene at 7:59 a.m. following the report of the accident, the young driver of the Chevrolet was pronounced dead after being transported to Kona Community Hospital.
The name of the deceased has yet to be released, pending the notification of next of kin, the driver of the Peterbilt, a 59-year-old male, remained unharmed, while the Spark's passengers suffered severe injuries leading to their transport to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital - with two subsequently moved to Oahu for further medical attention, and one stays at North Hawai‘i Community Hospital.
The Hawai‘i Police Department's Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit is investigating a major traffic collision and is asking witnesses for information. Those with details can contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email [email protected].
