Two Dead, Four Injured in Head-On Collision on Daniel K. Inouye Highway
DANIEL K. INOUYE HIGHWAY, HAWAII ISLAND — Two people were killed and four others injured in a head-on crash on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 3:38 p.m., police reported.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at the 13-mile marker of the highway when the driver of a 2018 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck lost control on a wet curve, crossing the centerline and colliding with an eastbound 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck towing a trailer with a mini excavator.
The front passenger of the Tacoma, 29-year-old Troy Rasse of Pahoa, and a rear passenger, 24-year-old Jadelyn Cariaga of Hilo, were pronounced dead at the scene. Both were not wearing seat belts. Autopsies have been ordered to determine the cause of death.
A 26-year-old woman in the rear seat of the Tacoma and the 43-year-old driver of the Dodge sustained serious injuries and were transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center before being medevacked to The Queen’s Medical Center. The 21-year-old Tacoma driver was also treated at the Hilo medical facility and is in stable condition. A 42-year-old front-seat passenger in the Dodge received minor injuries and was treated and released.
The highway was closed in both directions for several hours as investigators gathered evidence. Authorities are seeking any additional information and request that anyone with details contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339.
This incident marks the 10th and 11th traffic fatalities on the Big Island in 2023, compared to 12 at this time last year. Weather conditions may have contributed to the crash, according to police. The Hawaii Police Department reiterated that many traffic fatalities are preventable and urged drivers to wear seat belts and adjust for hazardous conditions.