Two people died and two were injured after a man slammed a car head-on into another during a police chase in Kahului, Maui police said.
Police identified the man who died as Joshua Apo, 29, of Wailuku and the woman who was killed as Melissa Egbert, 33, of Lahaina.
Police officers responded to a suspicious-vehicle call at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday on East Waiko Road in Waikapu and found Apo sleeping in a silver Nissan sedan. Officers woke up Apo, who reversed the vehicle into a police car and sped away. Two officers had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit, police said.
Officers gave chase with lights flashing and sirens blaring on Honoapiilani Highway. Apo turned onto Kuihelani Highway and entered the oncoming southbound lane.
The officers continued their pursuit in the northbound lanes.
Apo collided head-on with a black Scion. A Hyundai also traveling south hit the Scion.
Apo and Egbert, who was alone in the Scion, were taken to the Maui Medical Memorial Center, where they died from their injuries.
The two occupants of the Hyundai, tourists from Washington state, were taken to the emergency room and treated for minor injuries. No officers were hurt.
The traffic fatalities were Maui County’s 17th and 18th this year, compared with 19 at this time last year.
Propane fire damage estimated at $75,000
A propane barbecue grill fire that critically injured a 73-year-old Maui man Saturday caused $75,000 in damage to the man’s home and its contents, Maui firefighters said.
Maui Fire Department spokesman Edward Taomoto said the propane gas accidentally ignited, but the tank did not rupture.
The homeowner sustained burns to his arms and face and was taken in critical condition to Maui Memorial Medical Center, Taomoto said.
Firefighters responded to Malina Place in Maui Meadows, contained the blaze to the lanai and extinguished it at 4:35 p.m.
