Honoapiilani Now OPEN After Head-on Collision

A vehicle involved in a head-on collision on the Honoapiilani Highway on Thursday afternoon, 8/30/12, was towed away at around 6 p.m. Photo courtesy Kaniala Masoe.

By Wendy Osher

*** An update and full report is now available at the following direct LINK.

(Update:  6:01 p.m. 8/30/12)

TRAFFIC UPDATE: 5:55 p.m. 8/30/12.  The Honoapiilani – Hwy 30 at mile marker 12 in Ukumehame is now OPEN.

(Update: 4:48 p.m. 8/30/12)

Maui police were still alternating traffic at 4:48 p.m. 8/30/12 on the Honoapiilani Highway (30), due to an accident with life-threatening injuries.

The accident was reported near mile marker 12 in Ukumehame just north of the pali tunnel at 1:35 p.m.

Just before 5 p.m., officials said traffic investigators were expected to remain on scene for a couple more hours.  Motorists can expect significant delays.

Upon arrival, Medic units found two vehicles, a full sized pickup truck and a four-door SUV, both with major damage.

Two patients were transported from the scene, both local females who were occupants of the sedan, according to Maui County Paramedics Association spokesperson, Ryan Joslin.

The front seat passenger, a 48-year-old female, was transported to the hospital by Medic 4 in serious condition with back injuries and multiple abrasions, said Joslin.

Two people were extricated from a vehicle following a near head-on collision on the Honoapiilani Highway on Thursday afternoon, 8/30/12. Photo courtesy Kaniala Masoe.

Another woman was transported by Medic 10 in critical condition with head injuries. Joslin said she was the driver of the sedan.

Officials said both patients required extrication from the SUV because of the extensive damages which trapped them within. Extrication, authorities said, took 28 minutes. There were no patients transported from the pickup truck. Both females were wearing their seatbelts.