KAILUA-KONA — A woman died from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon on Highway 11, near mile marker 13 in Puna.
The identification of the victim is still pending, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Responding to a 3 p.m. call, police determined that a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door-sedan was heading southbound on Highway 11, when it crossed into the opposite lane of traffic, striking a 2010 Ford F-350 pickup truck that was heading northbound.
The driver of the Chevrolet Malibu was not responsive at the scene, and was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 6:23 p.m. The driver of the Ford F-350 pickup truck, a 57-year-old man from Hilo, did not suffer any injuries in the crash.
Police believe that speed was a factor in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Erhard Autrata of the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit at 961-2339.
This is the 24th traffic fatality this year compared to 29 at this time last year.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.