Photo Credit Leilani Leialoha

An unidentified male died following a two-vehicle collision on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, on Highway 19 near the 49-mile marker in Honoka‘a.

Officers responding to a two-vehicle collision at 4:53 a.m. determined that a white-colored Toyota pick-up truck had been traveling south, in the Honoka‘a bound lane, when it crossed the center line and struck a large bus head-on that was traveling north in the Waimea bound lane.

The driver—and sole occupant—of the bus was transported to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and treated for his injuries. The driver—and sole occupant—of the pick-up truck was unresponsive at the scene and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

This is the 14th fatal traffic collision compared to the 12 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information to contact Sergeant Jeremy Riddle at (808) 961-2391. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo.

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