A 26-year-old Hilo man died Sunday from injuries he suffered in a two-vehicle crash on the Keaau-Pahoa Road in Keaau.
Responding to a 4:31 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the Hilo man was operating a 2010 Subaru multi-purpose vehicle and traveling west on the Keaau-Pahoa Road, also known as Route 130, when he apparently overtook another vehicle and collided with an eastbound 2004 Ford F-350 pickup truck, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The crash occurred between mile markers 3 and 4.
The driver of the Ford pickup truck, a 52-year-old Keaau man, was transported to Hilo Medical Center with minor injuries, according to police. He was also arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and was released pending investigation.
Police are also investigating whether the driver of the other vehicle may have been intoxicated and speeding, according to police.
Both drivers were wearing their seat belts, according to police.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The name of the Hilo man is being withheld pending positive identification.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119.
This is the fourth traffic fatality on Hawaii Island roads this year compared with 11 at this time last year.