Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle collision that occurred in the Hilo-bound section of Highway 11, near Ikaika Street, killing a 54 year-old Volcano man.

Hawaiʻi County Police determined that a green 1993 Mazda sedan was weaving in the outer lane while traveling northbound on the highway. The sedan then veered off into the right shoulder and clipped the end of a guardrail, continuing into a grassy shoulder when it struck a telephone pole before coming to a final rest.

The operator and sole occupant of the Mazda, whose identification is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to the Hilo Medical Center via ambulance where he was later pronounced dead.  An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police believe that speed is a primary factor at this time. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any contributing factors to this collision.

The East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit have initiated a coroner’s inquest and will continue investigating this traffic collision. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov.