KAWAIHAE, Hawaii – An overturned fuel tanker has closed Kawaihae Road in both directions at the 64-mile marker, reports the Hawaii County Police Department.
UPDATE (4:30 p.m.) Police are now saying the crash was fatal. From a police media release:
 HPD, 11/15/13 |
“A tanker truck crashed in South Kohala on Friday (November 15), killing the driver and spilling thousands of gallons of fuel.
Shortly after 2 p.m., South Kohala police responded to a traffic crash and determined that a tanker carrying approximately 8,400 gallons of diesel fuel was traveling in the makai direction on Kawaihae Road when it ran off the road and overturned between the 63- and 64-mile markers, spilling nearly half its load.
The driver was pinned inside the vehicle and died at the scene. His name is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of his family.
Kawaihae Road is closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for several hours. Police Department personnel and Fire Department hazardous materials personnel are on the scene, as is a replacement tanker to transfer the remaining fuel.”
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Authorities say the road will remain closed indefinitely while Fire Department personnel assess the hazard. Motorists are advised to use Waikoloa Road or Kohala Mountain Road until further notice.
Hawaii County Civil Defense also issued an audio alert concerning the incident, which can be hear by clicking in the video window above.
What kills me about these stories is that this person woke up this morning with every expectation in the world that today would be a regular day. Please, please be safe out there! And treat each hour as if it may be your last.