A man, said to be in his 50s, is dead after rolling over a sport-utility vehicle Monday afternoon in the Kalapana area.
Police aren’t releasing his name pending positive identification and notification of his family.
Officers responding to a 1:57 p.m. call determined that a 1998 Isuzu SUV was Pahoa-bound on Kaimu-Chain of Craters Road and turning onto Highway 130 when he lost control and rolled the vehicle several times near the 21-mile marker.
The man, who wasn’t warning a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle. According to a written Fire Department statement, he was dead at the scene.
Police think speed was a factor in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered.
The death is the 11th official traffic fatality this year compared to 15 at this time last year.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Officer Keith Nacis at 961-2339. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.