Hawaii island police closed Highway 19 near the 13-mile marker in Honomu on Saturday 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.

Man charged in assault, abuse of woman

A 32-year-old man is facing multiple counts of assault and abuse of a 25-year-old woman in Nanakuli, police said.

Kekoa Vierra was charged Friday with nine felonies including six second-degree assault charges, two offenses of abuse of a family or household member, and one count of first-degree terroristic threatening.

His bail was set at $250,000.

Police said from Aug. 13 to 27, Vierra repeatedly assaulted the woman with a dangerous weapon, causing substantial injuries. Court documents said one of the alleged assaults happened in April and that Vierra also choked the woman.

Prosecutors said if Vierra were convicted of any of the charges, he would be eligible for an extended sentence because he is a persistent offender with two felony convictions on his record.

On Thursday, police arrested Vierra near Farrington Highway and Hakimo Road.