The driver of a car was killed yesterday morning in a fiery crash on H-1 Freeway at the Kokohead overpass in Kaimukī.

Traffic investigators said the car, a 1996 Toyota Camry, was in the far left lane and traveling east at high speed when it veered right across the freeway and drove up the embankment of the Kokohead Avenue off-ramp.

The car returned to the freeway, knocking down a light pole and slamming into a pillar of the overpass before bursting into flames.

The crash was reported at 2:09 a.m.

All eastbound lanes in the area of the overpass were closed until 5:30 a.m.

Police Lt. David Nilsen said the driver was the vehicle's only occupant.

Nilsen said speeding was "definitely" a factor in the crash. Police have not yet determined if alcohol or drugs were involved.

Nilsen said the driver was burned beyond recognition.

Bryan Cheplic of the city Emergency Services Department said because of the condition of the body, it was turned over directly to the medical examiner's office.

Police said it was the 21st traffic fatality of the year, compared with 24 at this time last year.