Ice Cream Truck Fire at Launiupoko Slows Morning Commute

Truck fire at Launiupoko. Photo courtesy Steve Aheong.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 8:51 a.m. 5/13/13)

Traffic to and from Lahaina was slow moving throughout much of the morning commute as crews cleaned up a vehicle fire on the Honoapiʻilani Highway.

Crews from the Maui Fire Department responded to the call at 5:54 a.m. (on Monday, May 13, 2013) of an ice cream delivery truck on fire about a quarter of a mile south of Launiupoko Beach Park.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said the truck was fully engulfed with fire when units arrived on scene. According to Mainaga, the fire was brought under control by 6:36 a.m., and extinguished at 6:59 a.m.

Fire officials say the Honoapiʻilani Highway was partially closed with alternating traffic at 6 a.m., and reopened to both lanes of travel by 7:07 a.m.

No injuries were reported.

(Traffic Advisory: 6:15 a.m. 5/13/13)

On the roadways, there is a report of a truck fire on the Honoapiʻilani in Launiupoko.

The incident was reported in the Lahaina bound shoulder.

Police are on scene and were waiting for the smoke to clear.

Motorists in the area can expect delays in their commute.