A  head-on collision between a car and a fuel tanker closed Highway 19 and injured a woman  this morning on the Big Island.

The woman, who was able to get out of her vehicle on her own, was taken to the Hilo Medical Center as a precaution, said Acting Battalion Chief Joseph Farias.

The accident occurred near the intersection of Highway 19 and Old Mamalahoa Highway about 3:20 a.m.

Police said the woman’s sedan crossed the centerline on Highway 19 and collided with the oncoming truck, which was heading north-bound.

Farias said woman’s car hit one of the truck’s lower side tanks, causing less than 20 gallons of diesel fuel to spill in the roadway. 

Police said a contractor is still working to clear Highway 19 and traffic was being  diverted through Papaikou.

The clean up is expected to keep the road closed until about 4:30 p.m.

Police believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.