A 75-year-old Hilo man died following a crash involving five vehicles on Tuesday afternoon in the area of the Ainaola Drive and Mikokoi Street intersection in Hilo.
The victim was identified as Franklin Dacanay, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Responding to a 2:09 p.m. report, police determined that a 1998 Toyota Tacoma traveling west on Ainaola Drive over-corrected his steering while negotiating a curve, causing the truck to cross the double solid yellow line and sideswipe a 2005 Dodge Ram that was traveling east on Ainaola Drive, police said.
The Tacoma continued traveling west on Ainaola Drive in the eastbound lane and crossed the Mikokoi Street intersection, subsequently crashing through a fence and into a 2014 Dodge Ram, parked unattended at a residence. This caused the 2014 Dodge Ram to collide with a 2003 Acura MDX, which then collided with a 2001 Toyota Avalon, all of which were parked unattended next to each other.
Dacanay was not wearing his seatbelt and was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 2:54 pm. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver of the 2005 Dodge Ram, a 52-year-old Hilo woman, and her two passengers did not report any injuries at this time, according to police.
Police investigating the traffic collision have determined that speed was a factor in the traffic crash. Police are still investigating whether alcohol, drugs, or a medical condition were factors.
This is the seventh fatal traffic collision this year compared to six fatal traffic collisions for this same time period last year.
The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information, should contact Officer Clifford Antonio at 961-2339 or via email Clifford.Antonio@hawaiicounty.gov.