1 Person Dead After Collision Between Pickup Truck and School Bus in Honokaʻa

A man is dead after a pickup truck and school bus collided on Highway 19 in Honokaʻa early this morning.

Hawaiʻi Police Department reports that at 4:53 a.m. a white-colored Toyota pick-up truck traveling south, in the Honoka‘a bound lane, crossed the center line and struck a large bus head-on that was traveling north in the Waimea bound lane.

HPD states there were no children on the bus at the time of the crash.

The driver and sole occupant of the bus was transported to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and treated for his injuries.

The driver and sole occupant of the pickup truck was unresponsive at the scene and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

This is the 14th fatal traffic collision compared to 12 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.

The East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information to contact Sgt. Jeremy Riddle at 808-961-2391. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 in Hilo.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.