Teenager dead, 3 others seriously injured after crash on Hawaii island

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii Island police are investigating a fatal car crash in Waikoloa that killed a teenager and seriously injured three others.

Police said it happened just before 8 a.m. Thursday when 17-year-old Jessica Sprinkle turned left from Waikoloa Road onto Mamalahoa Highway. According to investigators, her car was rammed broadside by a tractor-trailer that was transporting water.

Authorities said she was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Two passengers in her car were flown to Oahu and the other is recovering at North Hawaii Community Hospital. All were transported in serious condition, police said.

Officials added that the 59-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured.

This is the 24th traffic fatality this year, compared to 15 at this point in 2023. With the number showing a 60% increase in fatalities, the Hawaii County Police Department is urging motorists to drive safely and soberly, especially before the Holidays

Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.