Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal traffic collision that was reported on Saturday morning, February 5, 2022, at 9:37 a.m., on Highway 19 in Papa‘aloa, near the 18 mile marker.

Investigators have determined that a 2020 Ford Edge SUV traveling north (Waimea-bound) on Highway 19 appears to have veered onto the right shoulder while approaching Nanue Bridge and proceeded north off the cliff, striking the bridge’s support column before coming to a rest in the ravine below. At the time of the collision the roadways did not appear to be wet, however it had been overcast in the area.

Hawai‘i Police Department would like to thank the Hawai‘i Fire Department for their assistance in this investigation. Without their assistance, access to the vehicle and scene would not be possible.

Hawai‘i State Department of Transportation will conduct their own investigation in further assessing the damage to the bridge, which has been approved to be open to all traffic at this time.

An adult male, believed to be the vehicle driver, was located at the scene unresponsive. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 2:02 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. He will remain unidentified pending positive identification and notification of his next of kin.

Police believe that speed is a primary factor in this collision. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any additional contributing factors.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the accident or who has information on it, to please contact Officer Blayne Matsui at (808) 961-2339 or via email Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the seventh fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to three fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.