Friday, May 24, 2013
Highway 19 closed on Big Island after fuel tanker collision
POSTED: 11:50 a.m. HST, Dec 04, 2010
LAST UPDATED: 11:50 a.m. HST, Dec 04, 2010
A head-on collision between a car and a fuel tanker closed Highway 19 and injured a woman this morning on the Big Island.
The woman, who was able to get out of her vehicle on her own, was taken to the Hilo Medical Center as a precaution, said Acting Battalion Chief Joseph Farias.
The accident occurred near the intersection of Highway 19 and Old Mamalahoa Highway about 3:20 a.m.
Police said the woman's sedan crossed the centerline on Highway 19 and collided with the oncoming truck, which was heading north-bound.
Farias said woman's car hit one of the truck's lower side tanks, causing less than 20 gallons of diesel fuel to spill in the roadway.
Police said a contractor is still working to clear Highway 19 and traffic was being diverted through Papaikou.
The clean up is expected to keep the road closed until about 4:30 p.m.
Police believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Police and Fire
Big Island highway closed after collision between sedan, fuel tanker
‘Soul Sessions’ feat. RootHub
