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Dead driver identified from three-car crash in Waialua

The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man who died in a head-on collision in Waialua as Joseph Matuga, 61, of Waialua.

Matuga was driving a Volkswagen Beetle when he crossed the center line and his car split in half upon colliding with two oncoming vehicles. 

The Volkswagen, traveling on Kamehameha Highway near a Waialua coffee field on the Haleiwa side of Dole Plantation, first hit a compact Chevrolet sedan heading in the opposite direction, occupied by two men from Switzerland, ages 21 and 22.

Part of the Volkswagen then struck a Dodge van behind the Chevrolet occupied by a couple from Tokyo. The man is 32 and the woman is 27.

Matuga died at the scene.

Matuga’s identity was confirmed through fingerprints.

Toxicology results are pending.

In 2009, Matuga was convicted of driving while highly intoxicated.

The four visitors were taken by ambulance in serious condition to the Queen’s Medical Center, where they were treated and released.

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