1 dead, 2 injured in North Kona crash

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KAILUA-KONA — A woman is dead and two men were injured after a two-car crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 190, also known as Mamalahoa Highway, in North Kona.

KAILUA-KONA — A woman is dead and two men were injured after a two-car crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 190, also known as Mamalahoa Highway, in North Kona.

The woman was driving a Kona-bound gold Honda CRV and carrying one passenger when it apparently collided with a Waimea-bound 2009 white Nissan Frontier operated by a man near mile-marker 33, between Kaiminani Drive and Ahikawa Street, Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua told West Hawaii Today at the scene. The crash was reported to police at 2:40 p.m.

The passenger in the Honda, a man, was transported to Kona Community Hospital. His condition was not immediately available.

The man driving the Nissan also was transported to the hospital. His condition also was not immediately available.

Keliipaakaua said it appears one of the vehicles crossed the centerline, but investigators have yet to determine whether it was the Honda or Nissan. It was raining at the time, but it’s unlikely that was a factor in the crash, he said.

The northbound lane of the highway reopened about 5:30 p.m. It is unclear how long the southbound lane will remain closed. The department recommends the public use alternate routes, including Waikoloa Road, Kaiminani Drive or Queen Kaahumanu Highway.