KAILUA-KONA — A 32-year-old Pahoa woman died Friday from injuries she suffered in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 11 near mile marker 21 in Glenwood.
The victim was identified as Crystal M. Mercado-Lopez.
Responding to a 5 p.m. call, Puna Patrol officers determined that Mercado-Lopez was operating a 2001 Plymouth four-door sedan and traveling south on the highway when she crossed the centerline and sideswiped a 1997 Ford pickup truck traveling north.
Fire Rescue personnel took Mercado-Lopez and her passenger, an 8-month-old girl, to Hilo Medical Center. Mercado-Lopez was pronounced dead at 5:56 p.m.
The child was not injured, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
The truck was being operated by a 48-year-old Mountain View man, who was not injured in the crash.
Police do not believe that speed, alcohol or drugs were factors in this crash. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts and the child was in a child restraint seat.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Police are looking for a female witness who talked to a firefighter at the scene. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call Officer Erhard Autrata at 961-8118. This is the 11th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 12 at this time last year.