Hawai’i Island police are investigating a traffic crash that lead to the 3-hour closure of Akoni Pule Highway near Kawaihae Harbor yesterday.

Responding to a 2:30 p.m. call, police determined that a 2001 Peterbilt dump truck was traveling west on Akoni Pule Highway near the 3-mile marker, when the driver, Jeffrey Anderson of Naalehu, lost control of the truck, veered off of the roadway, struck a guardrail and overturned, spilling its load of asphalt.

Anderson was able to extricate himself from the truck.  He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released at North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital. He was later arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, and was released pending further investigation.

Akoni Pule Highway was closed until crews were able to remove the vehicle and debris from the roadway.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Officer Richard Nery at 808-887-3080 or via email at richard.nery@hawaiicounty.gov.