Two women are dead after a three-vehicle traffic collision Saturday in Hilo.
Police who responded to the reported crash at 5:44 p.m. determined that a 2007 Honda Accord was traveling south on Kanoelehua Avenue near Piilani Street when it lost control and veered into and across the grassy center median into oncoming north-bound traffic.
The Honda clipped the rear end of a 2016 Acura sedan before being broadsided by a 2019 Subaru Forester.
The driver of the Honda, 42-year-old Aja-Ly Iopa of Hilo, and the front-seat passenger, 43-year-old Sencirea Cabral of Kurtistown, were unresponsive at the scene and were transported to Hilo Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m.
Both women appeared to not be wearing their seat belts at the time of the collision. Autopsies have been ordered to determine the exact causes of death.
A 20-year-old Hilo woman who was operating the Acura did not report any injuries at the time of the collision, and the vehicle sustained minor damage.
A 19-year-old Hilo woman who was operating the Subaru also did not report any injuries at the time of the collision. However, the Subaru sustained major damage and was inoperable.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation. At this time, police believe that speed and not using seat belts appear to be the primary factors in the collision.
If anyone has information regarding this collision they may contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339, or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 10th and 11th traffic fatality of 2024, compared to five traffic fatalities this same time last year. They are also the third and fourth traffic fatalities in a week on Hawaii Island roads.