Hawaii County police have identified three people who died Saturday morning in a fiery two-vehicle crash in Kailua-Kona.
Using dental records, they were identified as Keliiokahonua Sadumiano, 18, of Ocean View; Kaela Avanilla, 17, of Kailua-Kona; and Phoenix Hauanio, 17, of Kailua-Kona.
Autopsies conducted Wednesday showed all three died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Kona patrol officers determined that a Nissan pickup truck driven by a 39-year-old Kailua-Kona man was traveling north on Queen Kaahumanu Highway when a southbound Kia sport utility vehicle, driven by Sadumiano, collided with the truck. The impact apparently caused the Kia to catch fire.
The truck driver was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was in stable condition Thursday.
Sadumiano, along with Avanilla, the front-seat passenger in the Kia SUV, and Hauanio, the back-seat passenger on the driver’s side, died at the scene, police said.
A 17-year-old Kailua-Kona girl got out of the Kia and was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Toxicology results are pending.
Police determined that speed was a factor in the crash.
The case is being investigated as three negligent homicides, Hawaii County police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Justin Hooser or Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua, 326-4646, ext. 229. Anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.