KAILUA-KONA — A man died following a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway in the North Hilo district.
KAILUA-KONA — A man died following a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway in the North Hilo district.
Responding to a 4:18 p.m. call, police determined that a 2010 Mazda sedan was traveling westbound on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway between mile markers 25 and 26 when it crossed the center line and collided head-on into a 2018 Nissan pickup that was traveling eastbound.
The driver of the Mazda sedan was transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 5:48 p.m.
He was later identified as 71-year-old Waimea resident Roger Vargas.
The driver of the Nissan pickup, a 51-year-old Hilo man, was transported by a Pohakuloa Training Area helicopter to the Hilo Medical Center for treatment of his injuries, where he remains in stable condition.
Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts, and it is unknown at this time if speed was a factor in this crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone who witnessed the crash should call Officer Clarence Acob at 961-2329. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
