Police are investigating a single-vehicle traffic collision that occurred around 3:28 p.m. Saturday on Maunakea Access Road in Hilo, in which a 9-year-old girl died and seven people were injured.
Investigators have determined that a 2018 Toyota Tacoma traveling west appears to have lost control when the brakes did not respond. The Tacoma then crossed the roadway in a right curve and went off the left shoulder, approximately 100 yards, and fell into a ravine, according to reports. At the time of the collision the roadway was wet and it was raining.
There was a total of five occupants within the truck at the time of the collision and an additional three occupants within the bed of the truck. All the vehicle’s occupants sustained injuries from the collision and were transported to Hilo Medical Center for treatment and further evaluation.
According to police, the operator of the pickup truck, a 40-year-old female, and a 33-year-old male occupant, were airlifted to Queens Medical Center on Oahu, and a 3-year-old boy was airlifted to Kapiolani Medical Center on Oahu in critical condition.
A 9-year-old girl, located in the back seat of the cab of the truck, was transported to Hilo Medical Center for her injuries where she was later pronounced dead at 5:03 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Police believe that speed, brake failure, and not wearing seatbelts appear to be major factors in the outcome of the collision. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any additional contributing factors.
This is the first fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to zero fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.