The eruption at Mauna Loa is attracting droves of visitors to the Big Island and many have been parking illegally along the highway to sightsee. Transportation officials have been warning the public of the dangers of parking along the high-speed thoroughfare. And unfortunately, those fears were realized in a two-car crash on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, late Tuesday night.
Six people in all were injured in the crash, with two needing to be taken to the hospital. Luckily, the injuries were minor, according to Hawaii County officials.
“We understand that it is unpopular for us to limit parking along the roadway, but, unfortunately, it’s necessary to keep each other safe,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. The crash happened just after 9 p.m. near Mile Marker 44. According to investigators, one car was idled on the shoulder of the highway. When the driver tried to pull back onto the road to drive, they were hit by another car traveling down the highway.