Makakilo, HI : Three injured in fiery crash near Kapolei on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016

Three people were seriously injured in a fiery crash on the H-1 Freeway near Kapolei on Tuesday.

The accident happened about 4:45 p.m.

Police said a truck traveling in the westbound direction near the Makakilo off ramp blew a tire, hit the median, then rolled over landing in the eastbound lanes.

A tire from the truck got loose and hit an SUV, which burst into flames in the westbound lanes.

"No cars were able to pass the burning car on the westbound," said Pauoa resident John Lapa.

Lapa was on his way to work but decided to pull over and turn off his engine when he realized traffic was at a standstill.

"I was stuck there for about 45 minutes before they opened it up," he said. "Then I had to go back to Waipahu so I was stuck in the eastbound traffic for another hour."

The crash snarled the evening commute, closing lanes in both directions. All westbound lanes were reopened by 5:30 p.m.

The driver of the truck, a 69-year-old man, was taken to a hospital in serious condition, paramedics said.

A 36-year-old woman and 40-year-old man, who were occupants of the SUV, were also seriously injured. They sustained apparent head, neck, back and other injuries.

Firefighters were also tasked to lean up a 15 gallon diesel spill. The crash is still under investigation.

Source :

Three injured in fiery crash near Kapolei