A 57-year-old Glenwood man died Thursday following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 11 near the Hirano Store in Puna.
A 57-year-old Glenwood man died Thursday following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 11 near the Hirano Store in Puna.
His identity is being withheld pending positive identification, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Responding to the 4:35 p.m. call, officers determined the man was driving a 2001 Ford four-door station wagon north on Highway 11 when he made a left turn into Hirano Store, according to police. A 33-year-old Glenwood woman, who was driving behind him in a 2005 Dodge van, apparently crossed the center line to avoid a collision and struck the wagon, according to police.
According to the Hawaii Fire Department, the van T-boned the wagon and flipped over, landing on its roof. Bystanders helped the woman out of the vehicle.
The man, who was ejected from the vehicle on impact, was found dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt. Police are investigating whether the driver of the Ford wagon made an abrupt turn into Hirano Store.
The woman, who was wearing her seat belt, was taken to Hilo Medical Center with chest, abdomen and neck pain, according to the fire department.
It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved, according to police.
A negligent homicide investigation has been initiated and an autopsy ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
This is the 32nd traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 16 at this time last year, according to police.
Anyone with information about the crash should call Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119.