Two Men Died in Early Morning Crash

***Updated at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4 to include Hawai’i Police Department corrections.***

The Hawai’i Police Department has issued corrections to information it incorrectly released on Thursday.

Police say the 1999 Chevrolet was driving south, not the 2004 Honda. It was the driver of the Chevrolet who crossed the center line, crashing head-on with the Honda van.

In addition, police say the driver of the Chevrolet was identified as 70-year-old Stewart Kroll of Kailua-Kona. He was pronounced dead at 5:10 a.m. Thursday after being taken to North Hawai’i Community Hospital.

The driver of the Honda, identified as 48-year-old Thomas Callero of Waikoloa, was also taken to NHCH, where was reported dead at 3:05 a.m.

***Originally posted at 9:22 a.m. on Thursday, March 3.***

An early Thursday morning crash in North Kona claimed the lives of two men.

The traffic crash took place on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, near the 81 mile marker in North Kona.

Hawai’i Police Department officers responded to a 1:02 a.m. call that led to the determination that two vehicles collided head-on.

The operator of a 2004 Honda van was reportedly traveling south on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway when it crossed over the center line, crashing with a 1999 Chevrolet van that was traveling north.

Police say the driver of the Chevrolet was taken to North Hawai’i Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:05 a.m.

The Chevrolet driver has been identified as 48-year-old Thomas Callero of Waikoloa.

Authorities say the driver of the Honda was also taken to NHCH. He was pronounced dead at 5:10 a.m. and identified as 70-year-old Kailua-Kona man Stewart Kroll.

It was not known immediately if speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.

A negligent homicide investigation was initiated by the Traffic Enforcement Unit.

Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway in the area was closed to traffic just before 2 a.m. until about 6 a.m. as an investigation took place.

Anyone who witnessed the crash should call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, extension 229.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous should call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.