A woman died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Volcano Highway (Route 11) near the 13-mile marker.
Police haven’t released the identity of the victim.
Officers tesponding to a 3 p.m. call determined that a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door-sedan was heading south on Highway 11, when it crossed into the opposite lane of traffic, striking a northbound 2010 Ford F-350 pickup truck.
The driver of the Malibu was unresponsive at the scene, and was taken to Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 6:23 p.m. The driver of the pickup truck, a 57-year-old Hilo man, was uninjured.
Police believe that speed was a factor in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
This is the 24th official traffic fatality this year compared to 29 at this time last year.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Erhard Autrata of the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit at 961-2339.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and might be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep the community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.