UPDATE – 8 p.m. – Both lanes are now open on Highway 19 near  Laupāhoehoe Gulch. “Thank you for your patience,” police said.

UPDATE – 7 p.m. – One lane is now open on Highway 19 near Laupāhoehoe Gulch, police say. Investigators are still on the scene. Drive cautiously in the area.

(BIVN) – A traffic accident Saturday evening on the Hāmākua Coast has closed Highway 19 in both directions.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department reports Highway 19 is closed at the 26 mile marker near Laupāhoehoe. Officials say there is no detour available and the road is expected to be closed for several hours.

“Please use Saddle Road or Highway 11 for cross island travel,” advised the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense in an audio message.

We will update this story with more information as it becomes available.