Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a January 1 fatal single-vehicle traffic collision that took the life of a nine year old girl and injured seven others on Mauna Kea Access Road in Hilo.

Police investigators determined that a 2018 Toyota Tacoma traveling west on Mauna Kea Access Road appeared to have lost control when the vehicle’s brakes did not respond. The Tacoma went on to cross the roadway in a right curve and went off the left shoulder, approximately 100 yards and fell into a ravine.  During the time of the collision the road was wet due to rainfall.

A total of five occupants were inside the truck  and an additional three occupants were within the bed of the pickup truck at the time of the collision. All the vehicle’s occupants sustained injuries from the collision and were transported to Hilo Medical Center for treatment and further evaluation.

The operator of the pick-up truck, a 40-year-old female, and a 33-year-old male occupant, were airlifted to Queens Medical Center on Oʻahu while a three-year-old boy was airlifted to Kapiolani Medical Center on Oʻahu in critical condition.

A nine-year-old female, located in the back seat of the cab of the truck, was transported to Hilo Medical Center for her injuries were she was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. 

Police believe that speed, brake failure, and not wearing seatbelts appear to be major factors in the outcome of this collision. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any additional contributing factors.

The East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov.