Three people died early Saturday morning in Kailua-Kona after a head-on collision on Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

The crash happened around 5 a.m. about 0.3 miles north of the Hina Lani and Queen Kaahumanu Highway intersection involving a Kia sedan and a Nissan pick up truck.

According to police, the pick up truck was traveling north and the Kia sedan was heading south when they collided, causing the sedan to catch on fire.

The driver of the Nissan, a 39-year-old Kailua-Kona man, had to be extricated from the truck. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital for his injuries.

Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered three bodies in the sedan. The driver, a man, and two of his passengers died at the scene. Another passenger, a 17-year-old Kailua-Kona girl was able to exit the car. She was taken to Kona Community Hospital for treatment.

It is unknown if speed or alcohol were factors in this crash, police said.

Police have opened a negligent homicide investigation.

Queen Kaahumanu Highway was closed while police investigate and was reopened at 10:30 a.m.

Traffic was detoured through Kaiminani Drive and Hinalani Drive.

These are the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fatalities this year, compared with three at this time last year, police said.