The Hawaiʻi County Police Department reports a 59-year-old woman was killed and a 58-year-old man was injured after power lines fell on their parked vehicle in the Hawai‘ian Shores subdivision in Pāhoa.

On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, Puna patrol officers responded to a report of a vehicle fire stemming from downed power lines near Oopu Street and Kahakai Boulevard.

Officers then determined that both the man and woman were seated in the parked vehicle in the 15-2700 block of Oopu Street when a portion of a tree fell onto the power lines causing the energized lines to fall and come into contact with the roof of the vehicle and nearby surrounding foliage.  The downed lines continued to arc on the roof of the vehicle.

The male occupant exited the vehicle without incident by climbing through a rear tailgate window that had been previously removed.  He was treated at the scene for minor injuries

The female occupant attempted to exit the vehicle through the same tailgate window and subsequently fell on a galvanized gate that was directly behind the vehicle. As she fell she came into contact with the fence, as well as the vehicle, and was electrocuted. The male party attempted to pull the female to safety but was unsuccessful and he was subsequently thrown to the ground by the force of the electricity.  She was then transported to Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.  Her identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section is investigating the incident, which has been classified as a public accident and a coroner’s inquest investigation has been initiated. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed or has information regarding this accident to contact Lieutenant Rio Amon-Wilkins of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2252 or via email at rio.amon-wilkins@Hawaiicounty.gov or.