Speed appears to be a factor in a fiery crash that left a man dead in a pineapple field off Kamehameha Highway near Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road on the North Shore Monday.

Police said witnesses saw a 2011 Nissan Rogue sports cutting in and out of traffic when the driver of the  sports utility vehicle lost control and hit a utility pole at about 6:25 p.m.

The Nissan ended up in a pineapple field and burst into flames, police said.

The crash prompted the closure of Kamehameha Highway in both directions on Monday evening as police investigated the accident.

The road was reopened about 11 p.m. Monday.

According to Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. David Jenkins, a witness checked on the driver but could not locate a pulse.

The witness attempted to extricate the pinned driver but had to retreat when the car caught on fire, Jenkins said.

When firefighters arrived at 6:35 p.m. the found the car fully engulfed in flames, Jenkins said.

Firefighers brought the fire under control by 6:40 p.m.

The driver of the vehicle was burned beyond recognition and was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:04 p.m.

Police said it is not known if drugs or alcohol were factors or if seat belts were used.