A 27-year-old man died following a single-vehicle collision on Thursday, March 31 on Māmalahoa Highway (Highway 190), just south of the 17 mile marker in North Kona.
The man has not been positively identified pending notification of next of kin.
Responding to a 9 p.m. call, police determined that a gray 1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck heading north failed to negotiate a curve in the road and crossed over the double solid yellow lines. The Toyota Tacoma then struck a rock embankment, overturned in the lava field, and caught on fire. The driver was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 1:16 a.m.
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Police believe that speed is a factor in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Adam Roberg at 808-326-4646 ext. 229 or email at [email protected]. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.
This is the 12th traffic fatality this year compared to seven at this time last year.
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