By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

A medic unit transferring a patient from Ka‘u Hospital to Hilo Medical Center came across a one vehicle crash at 1:29 a.m. Sunday (June 12) near the 36 mile marker of Highway 11 in the Volcano area.

Crews stopped and found two males in the vehicle which was 15-20 feet off the roadway on a rocky area makai (oceanside) of the highway. One male was reported dead at the scene while the second had multiple injuries. A fire engine arrived later to assist in the rescue effort.

Both accident victims along with the original transfer patient in the medic unit were transported to Hilo Medical Center.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by police and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park personnel.

MEDIA RELEASE FROM NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

In the early morning hours of Sunday June 12th, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a single vehicle accident on Highway 11 near milepost 35 claimed the life of 20-year old Bryson Areola from Kea‘au, Hawaii. Another occupant in the vehicle, 19-year old Julien Quiocho from Hilo, Hawaii was flown to Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu in critical condition with head and spinal injuries.

National Park Service rangers believe the accident happened at approximately 1:30 a.m. when the driver lost control and crashed into the lava field. It is believed that speed and alcohol may have contributed to the accident and an investigation is underway. Anyone who may have witnessed this accident or who may have information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at (808) 985-6001.

Chief Ranger Talmadge Magno would like to thank Hawai‘i County Fire and Police personnel for their assistance in the medical treatment of the victims and investigation of the accident.