A 54-year-old Pepeekeo man died Thursday from injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on Route 19 in the area of the 9-mile-marker in Pepeekeo. ADVERTISING A 54-year-old Pepeekeo man died Thursday from injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash
A 54-year-old Pepeekeo man died Thursday from injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on Route 19 in the area of the 9-mile-marker in Pepeekeo.
Officers responding to a 1:54 p.m. call determined that the 54-year-old man was driving a 1998 Toyota four-door sedan north on Route 19 when he crossed the centerline and sideswiped a southbound 2013 Ford flatbed truck driven by a 29-year-old Naalehu man.
The 54-year-old man was prounouced dead at 4:24 p.m. at Hilo Medical Center.
The truck’s driver was not injured.
Fire Department rescue personnel took an 82-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the Toyota, to Hilo Medical Center. She did not receive any significant injuries but was confined overnight as a precaution.
Police say all involved were wearing their seat belts.
Police say it doesn’t appear speed, alcohol or drugs were involved.
A negligent homicide investigation has been opened an an autopsy ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The name of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification.
This is the 5th official traffic fatality on the Hawaiʻi Island this year compared to 12 at the same time last year.
Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Keith Nacis at 961-8119.
