Propane tanker truck fire closes Highway 19 on Big Island
Hawaii island police closed Highway 19 near the 13-mile marker in Honomu today because of a propane tanker truck crash that led to a fire and one fatality.
Police said the road was closed at about 2:40 p.m. and could remain closed until about 11 p.m. while firefighters try to put the fire out.
The crash involved an SUV and a Hawaii Gas truck carrying about 1,700 gallons of propane, police said. Police added that emergency responders were considering allowing the gas to burn off.
One person died in the crash, police said. Further details were not immediately available.
Hawaii County said Hilo-bound traffic was being rerouted through Old Mamalahoa Highway, and Hamakua-bound traffic was being turned around to use Saddle Road.