UPDATE: Mokulele Crash Results in Triple Fatality

Mokulele Highway traffic accident, 6/20/15. Photo credit: Toya Ramos.

By Maui Now Staff

(Update: 8:43 a.m. 6/21/15)

On Saturday, June 20th, 2015 at approximately 9:33 p.m., a triple fatality motor vehicle collision occurred on the Mokulele Highway, just south of Mehameha Loop in Puʻunēnē.

Police say the collision occurred as a blue Dodge pickup truck was attempting to make a left turn from Mokulele Highway into the Maui Raceway Park entrance.

Mokulele Highway traffic accident, 6/20/15. Photo credit: Toya Ramos.

A police investigation revealed that the blue Dodge pickup truck was struck (broadside) by a white Toyota pickup truck, which was traveling northbound on Mokulele Highway. As a result of the collision, police say all three passengers riding within the bed of the blue Dodge pickup truck were ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

The three deceased individuals have since been identified as: Howard Pruse, 25, of Waiehu; Eric Oguma, 51, of Waiehu; and Tyree Kamaunu, 27, of Waiheʻe.

A third vehicle, a black Toyota pickup truck, was stopped at the Maui Raceway Park exit waiting to conduct a right turn onto Mokulele Highway (northbound). Police say it was struck by projectiles which were propelled as result of the initial collision between the two other vehicles.

The front seat passenger of the Dodge pickup truck and all three occupants of the white Toyota pickup truck were transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for treatment.  The operator of the black Toyota pickup truck as well as the operator of the blue Dodge pickup truck were not transported.

According to police reports, the bed of the Dodge pickup truck was not equipped with any occupant protection or safety mechanisms.  An investigation into all factors including safety equipment and vehicle air bags continues.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

This triple fatality brings to eight, the total number of traffic deaths on Maui County roads so far this year, compared to 14 at the same time last year.

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(Original post: 9:50 p.m. 6/20/15)

Road Closure: 9:50 p.m. 6/20/15, ‪‬ Mokulele Highway at North Kīhei Road and Mokulele Highway at Hansen Road are closed, due to a motor vehicle accident near the Maui Raceway Park in Puʻunēnē.

Traffic fatality. Graphic by Wendy Osher.