An unidentified male died following a two vehicle collision on Highway 19 near the 49 mile marker in Honoka‘a on Tuesday, August 17.

At 4:53am officers responded to a report of a two vehicle collision.  It was determined that a white colored Toyota pick-up truck had been traveling south in the Honoka‘a bound lane when it crossed the center line and struck a large bus that was traveling north in the Waimea bound lane head on.

The driver, and sole occupant of the bus, was transported to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and treated for injuries. The driver, and sole occupant of the pick-up 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.  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 to contact Sergeant Jeremy Riddle at (808) 961-2391.