1 dead in fiery crash on Daniel K. Inouye Hwy. near mile marker 18

HAWAIʻI ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – One person was killed in a fiery crash Thursday that shut down Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) near mile marker 18.

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The Hawaiʻi Police Department said the crash involved three people — one person was killed and another was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment.

Emergency crews responded to the scene at around 8:30 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation, but initial details from officials indicate one vehicle swerved into the opposite lane, leading to a T-bone collision.

The highway was closed in both directions until about 1 p.m. when one lane opened for contraflow traffic.

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Deputy Chief Sherry Bird said Thursday’s fatality marks the 15th on Hawaiʻi Island so far this year, and the fifth on Daniel K. Inouye Highway alone.

She urged drivers to slow down, wear seat belts and avoid distractions.

“These accidents not only affect the family and family members of the person who perished, but also their first responders that are responding to these scenes,” Bird said. “It’s very devastating for everyone involved.”

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