Five hospitalized after crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway
Police say five people are hospitalized after a two-vehicle collision Tuesday near the 17-mile marker of Daniel K. Inouye Highway above Hilo.
According to police, at about 8:32 a.m., a Hilo-bound 2012 white Ford E350 cargo van veered into the oncoming westbound lane trying to overtake another vehicle. The van’s driver tried to pull back into the Hilo-bound lane when a white 2020 Jeep Gladiator truck traveling in the opposite direction struck the van head-on.
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At the time of the collision weather in the area included heavy rain and fog, which made for poor visibility.
The driver of the cargo van, a 41-year-old Captain Cook man, was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he is listed critical but stable condition, police said. He is scheduled to be airlifted to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu for further treatment.
The driver of the Jeep Gladiator truck, a 44-year-old Virginia woman, was taken to Hilo Medical Center where she is listed in critical condition and undergoing surgery for her injuries.
There were three minor siblings from Virginia within the Jeep as well, including a 14-year-old boy in the front passenger seat, plus two other boys, ages 12 and 10. All were taken to the Hilo Medical Center where they are listed in stable condition, police said.
Police think speed and inattention are primary factors in the collision, but don’t think alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash. Further investigation will be conducted in connection with any additional factors in the incident.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
