Speed a factor in fatal SUV crash in Pahoa, police say
Hawaii island police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash in Pahoa.
Police said a 1998 Isuzu SUV operated by a man was traveling northeast on Kaimu Chain of Craters Road and onto Highway 130 when the driver lost control of the vehicle shortly before 2 p.m. Monday.
The vehicle rolled over several times near the 21-mile marker in Kalapana. Police said the driver was thrown from the SUV.
Police and the Hawaii County Fire Department responded. The man described to be in his 50s was found lying on the roadway.
Medics transported him to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Positive identification is pending notification of next of kin. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
Police said speed was a factor in the crash. The man was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.
This is the 11th traffic-related fatality in Hawaii County compared to 15 at the same time last year.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call officer Keith Nacis of the Hawaii Police Department at 961-2339 or CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.
